Canadians paying most for data in developed world: report
Posted May 7, 2018 7:23 pm.
Last Updated May 8, 2018 7:36 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Canadians are facing some of the least competitive pricing in the developed world for their wireless plans.
A new report finds Canadian wireless broadband plans are the worst bang for your buck.
Wireless broadband would be some kind of portable WiFi device that you can connect your laptop or tablet to. Wireless carriers offer this option to everyone who wants a separate data plan outside of their phone plan, or even use their cellphone as a tether for other devices.
Rewheel specializes in mobile-data and marketing competition and looked at specifically how much data 30 euros ($46.13 Canadian) buys for mobile broadband and smartphone plans in over 41 countries.
Canada ranks dead last in mobile broadband and 37th for smartphones, with Greece, Korea, Hungary, and Malta trailing behind.
A similar report came out in December 2017 by Canada’s Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED), also finding Canada pays some of the highest wireless rates in the world.
Unlimited data?
According to the report, unlimited 4G mobile data made a comeback in 2016 and many countries have made the change for smartphones and wireless broadband.
Countries like Bulgaria and Lithuania are outperforming the United States and Canada by offering unlimited data.
In the Lower Mainland, there are a number of wireless providers, all of them offering different maximum mobile data plans.
Rogers, the parent company of the station, offers 80 GB for $405 a month.
Telus offers 80 GB for $350 a month.
Freedom Mobile, operated by Shaw, offers 20 GB for $90 a month.
Bell offers 15 GB for $100 a month.
In January, the CRTC was urged to hold a public inquiry into telecom industry’s sales tactics.
Rogers is the parent company of NEWS 1130.
