Texter Beware: Telus Announces New Fees

Stop New Telecom Fees

by OpenMedia

It looks like we’re about to see new texting charges imposed on our telecom bills for no reason.

Telus has already sent a message to customers announcing an arbitrary new fee on text messages that cross the Canada-U.S. border.1 You can expect other providers to follow up with their own set of fees now.

It’s a cash grab and everyone knows it.

Big Telecom companies can only price-gouge us like this because Conservative Industry Minister Paradis refuses to enforce the government’s own rules – rules that are supposed to ensure we have access to affordable independent telecom options.2

In this moral vacuum, telecom giants like Rogers and Telus have started a process to take over Canada’s scarce wireless assets, including every major independent mobile provider.3

We know that if the party leaders hear your voice right now it could tip the balance and force the government into action. Please take a moment to send a message to all the party leaders (including Stephen Harper) now.

34,796 signatures (and counting). 

Subject: Please Stop New Telecom Fees

Attn: Prime Minister Stephen Harper
cc Liberal Party Leader Justin Trudeau
cc NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair
cc Green Party Leader Elizabeth May
cc Industry Minister Christian Paradis

I want the government to enforce the rules and to prevent new telecom fees on my monthly bill. Please stand up for telecom choice and affordability in Canada. Large incumbent telecom providers should not be allowed to block access to affordable mobile phone and Internet options.

 

Background & Outreach Resources

Footnotes:

[1] Here’s a picture of a message a Telus customer posted online.

[2] OpenMedia.ca joined experts and advocates to send a letter to our Industry Minister about Roger’s plan to break industry Canada rules by obtaining set-aside wireless assets. Find the full letter here [PDF]. While Paradis is feeling the pressure from Canadians and signaling discomfort with the Shaw-Rogers backroom deal, he still refuses to uphold the rules.

[3] Telus in talks to buy Mobilicity as wireless upstarts seek buyers. Source: The Globe and Mail.