While taking part in the ongoing CRTC hearing in Gatineau, Quebec on basic television packages, Bell Canada announced several changes to its ‘skinny’ plan.
To start, the telecom will no longer force Fibe TV customers to subscribe to its accompanying internet service. Secondly, Bell also admitted for the first time to designing a training manual instructing employees not to promote its cheapest TV plan.
Bell’s basic television package is currently available to customers for a $25 monthly fee, though there have been a plethora of complaints about the plan. The hearings taking place in Gatineau this week intend to address those complaints, which largely revolve around Bell’s decision to link the two products.
The CBC reports that critics expected Bell to come under fire for its basic skinny plan, however, the day before the telco was scheduled to testify, it announced its Fibe TV service would be available as a standalone product starting in early 2017.
While Bell executives stress that the decision was part of an ongoing process, many are skeptical of the timing of the announcement. Fibe TV requires an internet connection to work, but delinking the products allows customers to get their internet from other ISPs.
In addition, Bell came under fire for a CBC story claiming the telco told its employees not to promote its basic television package to customers. The company recently admitted to this accusation after denying it for months on end.
Rogers reportedly made adjustments to its basic plan in response to the Gatineau hearing, which allows customers to combine its services with other carriers.
Related: Canadian telecoms to defend current skinny TV packages at CRTC hearing following complaints
[source]CBC[/source]
