A Statistics Canada building and signs are pictured in Ottawa on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick


March 20, 2024

As members of parliament delve into the affordability of telecommunication services, Statistics Canada reports a continuous decline in cell phone and internet costs, contributing to a reduction in the national inflation rate last month.

According to the consumer price index report released on Tuesday, consumers subscribing to cell phone plans in February paid 26.5% less compared to the same period a year earlier. This follows a year-over-year drop of 16.4% in January.

The decrease in costs is attributed to lower prices for new plans and increased data allowances for certain cellular service plans.

Statistics Canada also noted a 13.2% year-over-year and 9.4% month-over-month decrease in internet access prices in February, highlighting special offers from providers during the period.

Telecommunications consultant Mark Goldberg explained that the decline in prices, as indicated in the national inflation report, suggests that consumers are receiving better value for their money through new offerings, such as larger data packages, international roaming benefits, or voice-to-text voicemail services.

While most goods and services have experienced price increases, fierce competition in the telecom sector has led to significant declines in prices for both cellular and internet services, according to Nick Kyonka, a spokesman for the Canadian Telecommunications Association.

The issue of telecom prices has gained prominence and is currently under examination by the House of Commons industry committee. In January, concerns were raised when Rogers Communications Inc. announced a $5 average price increase for some wireless customers, and similar actions were taken by Bell Canada.

During a committee hearing on Monday, the chief executives of Rogers, Bell, and Telus Corp. emphasized that phone and internet prices are decreasing. However, Mohammed Halabi, director of MyBillsAreHigh.com, expressed concerns about the lack of plans tailored to low-usage customers and highlighted the challenges customers face with bundled services.

Goldberg emphasized the importance of recognizing changes in pricing structures, particularly for long-term customers. He advised against remaining on outdated price plans, as they may not provide sufficient data for the same amount of money.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

World Economic Forum Chairman Klaus Schwab Retires After 50 Years of Global Leadership

Klaus Schwab, the 87-year-old founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has stepped down as chairman. After leading the influential....

China Returns $55m Boeing Jet as Trump Tariffs Impact Trade

A Boeing 737 MAX originally bound for China’s Xiamen Airlines made an unexpected return to the US on Sunday. The....

China-U.S. Tariff War Rattles Trade Ties and Businesses

Chinese exporters are on edge as a sweeping tariff war with the United States threatens long-standing trade relationships. What started....

Trump’s Commerce Chief Says, Electronics Tariff Exemption Is Temporary

The U.S. government’s decision to temporarily exempt electronics like smartphones and laptops from tariffs may not offer lasting relief. The....

Hudson’s Bay Insider Bid Protocol Raises Sale Speculation

Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) has taken a significant step in its ongoing creditor protection process. A new internal protocol shared....

Prada to Acquire Rival Fashion House Versace in €1.25 Billion Deal

In a major move reshaping the global luxury fashion landscape, Prada Group has officially announced its acquisition of Italian fashion....

Biggest Drop in Gas Prices Across Canada: What’s Behind the Relief?

Canadians have been noticing a welcome change at the gas pumps. Over the past few weeks, fuel prices have fallen....

Trump Pauses Reciprocal Tariff for 90 Days, Hits China Harder with 125%

President Donald Trump has announced a temporary relief in his sweeping tariff policy, pausing higher levies for 90 days on....

Wall Street Fears Another ‘Black Monday’ Amid Trump’s Tariff Shock

U.S. stock futures plunged Sunday evening, triggering fears of a repeat of Black Monday, as markets reacted sharply to President....

In Canadian Business This Week: Key Events to Watch

As Canada steps into a new business week, several developments are set to shape the national economic narrative. From politics....

Ontario Businesses Fined for Hiring 700 Unauthorized Foreign Workers

A major federal investigation has resulted in significant penalties for three Ontario-based businesses that were found guilty of employing hundreds....

Markets Brace for Turbulence and Recession Fears as Liberation Day Approaches

Investors are on edge as Liberation Day, set for April 2, nears. As the year's first quarter ends on a....