One of the reasons the Spectrum Auction was set up was to encourage more competition in the Canadian wireless market. Before the auction started then Industry Minister Jim Prentice stated “Our government’s intentions are clear: to achieve lower prices, better service and more choice for consumers and business. We believe in relying on market forces to the maximum extent feasible because competition benefits consumers, and consumers benefit most when markets are as competitive as they can be.”
Fast forward to today where we have WIND Mobile and Public Mobile already in market gaining clients. Other new entrants Mobilicity (formally DAVE Wireless) looking to launch their service in Toronto soon. Plus, Videotron is expected to shake things up when they launch their HSPA network this Summer. All these new entrants will take a piece out of the subscriber base from the Big 3.
We are already seeing a slight drop in prices, some fees being reduced or eliminated. If you’re with Rogers, Bell, TELUS or even one of their flanker brands (Virgin, Koodo, Solo, Fido) you might find sweet deals to stay. Rogers, Bell and TELUS are all currently offering the same promo by waiving the $35 Activation Fee and giving free evenings starting at 6:00pm. Bell is offering a $150 credit to WIND customers who port back to them, we are hearing that Fido is also offering a unique deal for WIND customers also.
The key here is that competition is brewing in Canada and with more new entrants launching, the prices will continue to fall. The downside it seems is that with all these fees being waived customers are still being asked to sign a 3-year contract.
What are you finding these days… prices dropping, customers service getting better?
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