The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has requested that the country’s largest cellphone carriers, including BCE Inc., Rogers Communications Inc., and Telus Corp., take action to make their international roaming rates more affordable for consumers. These companies have been given until November 4th to provide details on the specific steps they plan to take in response to concerns about rising fees that Canadians face when using their cellphones abroad. If the CRTC deems that the carriers are not making sufficient progress on this issue, they may launch a formal public proceeding.
This decision by the CRTC comes after Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne raised concerns about wireless roaming fees, noting that while costs for phone services in other jurisdictions are generally declining, Canadian carriers have been increasing their rates. In March 2023, both Telus and Bell raised their U.S. and international roaming rates, with Telus customers now paying $14 daily to roam in the U.S. and $16 in other countries. Bell users face a daily $13 charge for U.S. roaming and $16 for roaming in other countries, while Rogers charges $12 and $15 for daily U.S. and international roaming respectively. These price hikes have prompted calls for action to make mobile services more affordable for consumers.
The CRTC’s intervention on the issue of international roaming rates underscores the importance of ensuring fair and reasonable pricing for telecommunications services in Canada. The regulator’s decision to give the major carriers a deadline to address the concerns about rising fees reflects a commitment to protecting consumer interests and promoting competition in the telecommunications market. By holding the companies accountable for their pricing practices, the CRTC is sending a clear message that excessive charges for mobile services will not be tolerated.
In response to the CRTC’s directive, BCE Inc., Rogers Communications Inc., and Telus Corp. are expected to outline the concrete steps they will take to make international roaming rates more affordable for consumers. These steps could include measures to lower daily charges for roaming in the U.S. and other countries, as well as efforts to provide more transparency and clarity around pricing for mobile services. By taking proactive steps to address consumer concerns about rising fees, the major carriers can demonstrate their commitment to providing fair and competitive pricing for cell phone users in Canada.
The CRTC’s oversight of the telecommunications industry plays a crucial role in ensuring that Canadian consumers have access to affordable and reliable mobile services. By monitoring the pricing practices of major carriers and holding them accountable for any unfair or anti-competitive behavior, the regulator helps to create a level playing field for industry players and promote a more competitive marketplace. As the CRTC continues to address concerns about rising cellphone fees and international roaming rates, consumers can expect to see ongoing efforts to protect their interests and promote greater affordability in the telecommunications sector.
Overall, the CRTC’s decision to require major cellphone carriers to make international roaming rates more affordable reflects a commitment to promoting fairness and competition in the Canadian telecommunications market. By holding the carriers accountable for their pricing practices and pushing for greater transparency and affordability in mobile services, the regulator is working to ensure that consumers have access to fair and reasonable pricing for their cell phone usage. As the carriers respond to the CRTC’s call for action, consumers can expect to see positive changes that aim to make mobile services more affordable and accessible for all Canadians.
