Sent: July 31st 2013
Sent to: Steven Harper <stephen.harper@parl.gc.ca>
Sent to: Peter Braid <peter.braid.c1@parl.gc.ca>
Hello,
I have decided to write in regards to my concerns about Rogers, Bell
and Telus. For a long time these carriers have been able to operate
in a very closed and protected market; lacking efficiency,
innovation, and competition. Due to the complete lack of competition
these carriers have had virtually no incentive besides the law to
operate in a fair manner.
At this moment they are all fighting to ensure Verizon ( or any
other potential player ) isn't able to get a decent foothold in our
market. They have successfully been able to make past attempts by
companies futile with the CRTC at their service. And even now at
this moment, they are fighting the new wireless code which dictates
only good concepts and fairness - a code that with adequate
competition would never have been necessary to draft. Their
response: to raise their plan rates by approx. 40%. Not just one
carrier, but all 3 are doing this in unison. ( doesn't sound like
they are competing or have a mind for fair play in the slightest )
Consider smart phone customers in Canada today:
The numbers show us that currently they charge ALL customers for
hardware regardless if a consumer purchases a device through them or
not. These charges are hidden inside of their plan costs and are not
itemized. The maximum discount a subscriber can receive off of a
device (retail price) is $500 - and it is estimated that each
subscriber pays at LEAST $200 per calendar year of these hidden
costs, meaning that the company has recouped their costs within
24 months. Publicly in response to having to change over to 24 month
contracts; all 3 carriers are raising their smart phone plan rates by
at least $25 monthly, that is an additional $600 (over the
24 months) towards hardware!!! It is highly illegal to charge a
consumer an interest rate of 50% annually, however these carriers
have been able to get away with it because 1) the costs are hidden;
2) their is no real competition in the market.
The major investor behind Wind Mobile; who now regrets his
decision said it best:
"The Canadian market and the three major companies are protected and
pampered. If this wasn't true then how is it that they are not
anywhere but Canada?"
I believe that he was right, and that these companies are too
inefficient to remotely compete anywhere else.
About the Wireless spectrum:
"Robellus" ( Rogers, Bell, and Telus ) Have the majority of the
spectrum already. Please, I implore you, DO NOT LET THEM HAVE ANY
MORE. Do not let them buy anymore territory. At some point they need
to learn words like:
Fairness,
Business, and
Competition - and hopefully
Customer Service too.
The way we keep pampering and protecting these companies; letting
them get away with gouging consumers with a complete lack of
accountability and fairness - is a global embarrassment for Canada.
Thank-you for your time;