The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has taken a firm stance on international roaming charges imposed by major telecom companies. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has taken a firm stance on international roaming charges imposed by major telecom companies.
CRTC Takes Action on Roaming Charges
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission stepped up efforts to tackle high international roaming fees. The regulator targeted the country’s largest cellphone carriers in its recent announcement. BCE Inc., Rogers Communications Inc., and Telus Corp. faced pressure to make their overseas charges more affordable. The CRTC set a deadline of November 4 for these companies to respond with concrete plans.
Government Concerns Spark Investigation
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne raised concerns about rising cellphone fees for Canadian travelers. His worries prompted the CRTC to investigate the matter more closely. Champagne noted that phone bills in other countries were generally declining, which contrasted with Canadian rates and led to calls for action from the government.
Telus and Bell Increase Roaming Rates
In March 2023, Telus and Bell both raised their roaming rates for U.S. and international travel. Telus increased its daily U.S. roaming charge from $12 to $14. For other international destinations, Telus customers saw a $1 increase to $16 per day. Bell also adjusted its rates during this period.
Bell’s New Roaming Charges
Bell implemented new roaming charges for its customers traveling abroad. U.S. roaming fees increased from $12 to $13 per day. For other international destinations, Bell raised the daily rate from $15 to $16. These changes affected Canadian travelers using Bell’s services outside the country.
Rogers’ Current Roaming Rates
While Telus and Bell increased their rates, Rogers maintained its existing fee structure. Rogers charged $12 per day for U.S. roaming at the time of the report. For international destinations beyond the U.S., Rogers set its daily rate at $15. These rates positioned Rogers slightly lower than its main competitors.
CRTC’s Demand for Action
The regulator set a firm deadline for the companies to respond with their plans. The CRTC expected the carriers to outline specific measures they would take to make roaming more affordable. This demand put pressure on the companies to act swiftly.
Threat of Formal Proceedings
The CRTC warned of potential consequences if the telecom giants failed to make adequate progress. The regulator threatened to launch a formal public proceeding if unsatisfied with the companies’ responses. This potential for further regulatory action added weight to the CRTC’s demands.
Impact on Canadian Travelers
High roaming charges significantly affected Canadians traveling outside the country. Many travelers faced substantial bills when using their phones abroad. The increasing rates made it challenging for Canadians to stay connected while traveling.
Comparison with Global Trends
The CRTC and government officials noted a contrast between Canadian roaming fees and global trends. While Canadian rates increased, many other countries saw declining phone bills. This discrepancy raised questions about the competitiveness of Canada’s telecom market.
Telecom Companies’ Challenges
The major telecom companies faced pressure to balance profitability with consumer demands. These firms needed to address the CRTC’s concerns while maintaining their business models. The companies had to consider the impact of potential rate reductions on their revenues.
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