[Merged] CRTC gets earful on 3-year cellphone contracts

[geokilla]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/...es-canada.html

Also talks about "competition". About time CRTC....

Article on MobileSyrup

[Jimboski]

2 Year contracts In Canada? Not going to happen. We get gouged on everything!

[kennyopti]

2 Year contracts In Canada? Not going to happen. We get gouged on everything!

Rip off and no lube up that a$$ is almost synonymous with Canada lol.

[NEMESIS_2008]

Crtc is always in bed with the big 3. Never going to haooen

[MkmBandit]

CRTC is useless.

[rabbit]

Even if they get rid of 3-year contracts, the providers can jack up the prices of the phones when selling with a 2-year contract.

[Gammatron]

Even if they get rid of 3-year contracts, the providers can jack up the prices of the phones when selling with a 2-year contract.

Only idiots go into 3-year plans just to subsidize a phone, buy it outright and go with Wind or Mobolicity, I don't think Rogers/Bell will sell you a data plan without a 3-year sentence.

[squadz]

Only idiots go into 3-year plans just to subsidize a phone, buy it outright and go with Wind or Mobolicity, I don't think Rogers/Bell will sell you a data plan without a 3-year sentence.

Not everyone lives in Wind or Mobilicitys terrible coverage zones.

[Denis54]

When I want to watch TV, I buy a TV and then subscribe to a cable or satellite signal provider.

When I want to go on the interent, I buy a computer and then subscribe to an internet service provider.

Why is it that when it comes to cellular phones I almost always have to buy the device and the service from the same provider?

If I can buy a TV and a computer I do not see why I could not buy a cellular phone by myself.

In addition, since their contracts force us to pay for the phone if we leave before the end of the contract, the phones should at least be unlocked.

[ichpen]

You what?

Guys, the CRTC doesn't mandate 3 year contracts. Fact of the matter is you vote with your wallets. If you don't like 3 year contracts, don't buy into them. Get a 2 year one, buy the phone outright. Can't afford the phone? Don't buy it.

If the US market could sustain 3 year contracts they'd be all the rage, they tried it and failed. Why? People didn't buy into them. You the consumers have all the power here, use it.

[sexyj]

but they allow 3 years contracts

theres a reason all telco in the states only offer 2 years contracts, because the government wont allow it for more than 2

You what?

Guys, the CRTC doesn't mandate 3 year contracts. Fact of the matter is you vote with your wallets. If you don't like 3 year contracts, don't buy into them. Get a 2 year one, buy the phone outright. Can't afford the phone? Don't buy it.

If the US market could sustain 3 year contracts they'd be all the rage, they tried it and failed. Why? People didn't buy into them. You the consumers have all the power here, use it.

[geokilla]

Not everyone lives in Wind or Mobilicitys terrible coverage zones.

I wouldn't say they are terrible but for isheep, you got no choice. Plus the coverage is spotty according to my friends. There is also the problem that if you go out of zone, it's pretty costly. I have to go to London roughly 2 times a month and I can't use my phone on the highway (stream music) or text or make calls without incurring costs. Plus it's only $5 cheaper if you compare my Fido plan to WIND $40 plan. My usage is absurdly low in the air time category.

You what?

Guys, the CRTC doesn't mandate 3 year contracts. Fact of the matter is you vote with your wallets. If you don't like 3 year contracts, don't buy into them. Get a 2 year one, buy the phone outright. Can't afford the phone? Don't buy it.

If the US market could sustain 3 year contracts they'd be all the rage, they tried it and failed. Why? People didn't buy into them. You the consumers have all the power here, use it.

I suggest you check the subsidized prices between 2 year and 3 year contracts then post here again.

[dragon_drift]

we need more competition. REAL competition. Not these $60 plans that all look the same.

[ichpen]

but they allow 3 years contracts

theres a reason all telco in the states only offer 2 years contracts, because the government wont allow it for more than 2

I'm aware of european law capping contract terms. Not aware of any US federal laws on this. Maybe you can point me in the right direction here.

[ichpen]

I suggest you check the subsidized prices between 2 year and 3 year contracts then post here again.

What should I check for? You pay more on 3 years.