Since the newer carriers entered the wireless market (WIND Mobile, Public Mobile, Mobilicity, Videotron), the incumbent Big 3 carriers and their sub-brands have adjusted their monthly rate plans. When it comes to roaming, this cost has even seen some shifting over the past few months. We’ve seen Bell, TELUS and Rogers all come to market with cheaper rates and more talk time, texting or data.
The CRTC has decided to focus part of its effort to look into the carriers roaming plans and agreements. In an email dated August 30th, the CRTC notes that “Over the past year, the Commission has been made aware of concerns with respect to the rates, terms, and conditions associated with wireless roaming.” This has caused them to request numerous Canadian carriers to produce ‘information that is not publicly available’ about roaming rates, terms and conditions from United States wireless operators, plus detailed roaming revenue by voice, data, and text messaging from 2007 to 2012.
The carriers will have until September 27th to produce this information and the CRTC notes they’ll look over the fine details to ensure the rates are competitive and Canadians have choice. Good move by the CRTC – prices just might come down.
[source] CRTC [/source] [via] James Moore Twitter [/via]
