bush_cheney2004 Posted June 25, 2009 Report Posted June 25, 2009 .... I do agree that the competition is quite limited in Canada in this field, but it does exist, and the simple fact is that there ARE ways to get cell phone service that don't include a year+ contract and a hefty cancellation fee..... They don't want to hear that.....easier to play victim. Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
Bonam Posted June 25, 2009 Report Posted June 25, 2009 Yes it does. The network owner determines costs. In practice, the various retail suppliers are simply marketing strategies.CP, March 2009 Yes, different marketing strategies that offer customers different types of contracts and plans. Although I do of course agree we would get a wider variety of offerings if we had more separate networks. Quote
bush_cheney2004 Posted June 25, 2009 Report Posted June 25, 2009 (edited) Yes, different marketing strategies that offer customers different types of contracts and plans. Although I do of course agree we would get a wider variety of offerings if we had more separate networks. Yep...and why is it that Canada has fewer networks / providers compared to Europe, America, or even China? <hint> Market Size Edited June 25, 2009 by bush_cheney2004 Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
Smallc Posted June 25, 2009 Report Posted June 25, 2009 I like the fact that conservatives are complaining about the fact that they signed a contract in the free market and now they don't like it. Quote
August1991 Posted June 25, 2009 Report Posted June 25, 2009 Very well...then choose another country.But then I wouldn't see Wilfrid Laurier on my money. Quote
bush_cheney2004 Posted June 25, 2009 Report Posted June 25, 2009 I like the fact that conservatives are complaining about the fact that they signed a contract in the free market and now they don't like it. Lots of people bitch about their cell phone provider and fees....across all political stripes. Bitching is free....canceling under contract...not so much. Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
August1991 Posted June 25, 2009 Report Posted June 25, 2009 I like the fact that conservatives are complaining about the fact that they signed a contract in the free market and now they don't like it.It's not a free market when there are only three suppliers.Yep...and why is it that Canada has fewer networks / providers compared to Europe, America, or even China?<hint> Market Size Not the issue. The key Canadian urban markets are comparable to other countries.The lack of suppliers (and more broadly the collusion in the existing competition) is a feature of Canada, and Canadian politics and the CRTC. Quote
bush_cheney2004 Posted June 25, 2009 Report Posted June 25, 2009 It's not a free market when there are only three suppliers. You are free to raise the capital and start three more. Not the issue. The key Canadian urban markets are comparable to other countries. No they are not....we see this for other consumer products and services as well in Canada. Your markets do not attract the same amount of investment for distributors and dealers. The lack of suppliers (and more broadly the collusion in the existing competition) is a feature of Canada, and Canadian politics and the CRTC. If you mean legislation, then we are back to Canadians making choices...at the polls. Other nations have seen provider consolidation and fewer choices as well....that's how it works. Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
Bonam Posted June 25, 2009 Report Posted June 25, 2009 It's not a free market when there are only three suppliers. How many competitors does it take for you to consider something a free market? Quote
Smallc Posted June 25, 2009 Report Posted June 25, 2009 It's not a free market when there are only three suppliers. There were more, there will be more. It's a free market with a regulated spectrum that underlies it. Quote
bush_cheney2004 Posted June 25, 2009 Report Posted June 25, 2009 There were more, there will be more. It's a free market with a regulated spectrum that underlies it. Exactly....whining will not change the dynamics of the telecom market(s). Anybody work at Nortel? Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
Argus Posted June 25, 2009 Author Report Posted June 25, 2009 Yep...and why is it that Canada has fewer networks / providers compared to Europe, America, or even China?<hint> Market Size Uhm... no, it's government regulation protecting the current three cell phone companies. None of these companies offer either very good service or well-priced service. They stay in business because they collude on pricing and because government regulation keeps competitoin at bay. In fact, these companies are the most despised in corporate Canada because of their ripoffs and arrogance. They stay in business only because their market is protected by government. Quote "A liberal is someone who claims to be open to all points of view — and then is surprised and offended to find there are other points of view.” William F Buckley
Smallc Posted June 25, 2009 Report Posted June 25, 2009 There used to be more players...and they were bought. Cry me a river. There are new players coming in right now, and they might be bought too....cry me another river Quote
Argus Posted June 25, 2009 Author Report Posted June 25, 2009 Cause they suck at making choices and want big brother to help them out every time they screw up. Bullshit. There are only three players and all of them have slight variations of the same plans. If you rarely need a cell phone, you can try pay-as-you-go. If you need it a lot, you're screwed and locked into a multi-year contract. Service doesn't work? Tough noogies. You pay for the duration of your contract regardless. You suddenly have to move and that service isn't available? Tough noogies. Pay them regardless. There is no requirement that the cell phone companies provide service, only that you pay them. Quote "A liberal is someone who claims to be open to all points of view — and then is surprised and offended to find there are other points of view.” William F Buckley
Argus Posted June 25, 2009 Author Report Posted June 25, 2009 There were more, You mean like Virgin - bought out by Bell, or Solo - also Bell, or Fido - bought by Rogers? there will be more. It's a free market with a regulated spectrum that underlies it. No, Europe has a free market. Here we have subsidised extortion, poor service and high prices. Quote "A liberal is someone who claims to be open to all points of view — and then is surprised and offended to find there are other points of view.” William F Buckley
Argus Posted June 25, 2009 Author Report Posted June 25, 2009 Lots of people bitch about their cell phone provider and fees....across all political stripes. Bitching is free....canceling under contract...not so much. There is absolutely no justification for that contract or for the cancellation fees. Quote "A liberal is someone who claims to be open to all points of view — and then is surprised and offended to find there are other points of view.” William F Buckley
Smallc Posted June 25, 2009 Report Posted June 25, 2009 You mean like Virgin - bought out by Bell, or Solo - also Bell, or Fido - bought by Rogers? Yes, I mean those, bought out in the free market. Quote
Topaz Posted June 26, 2009 Report Posted June 26, 2009 I have never regretted choosing a "pay as you go" phone plan. I have never trusted cell phone company contracts, and there are alternatives. -k I agree and I only have as a emergency when travelling. I bought a $100. from Rogers and it will last all year or until I use up the time. Quote
Topaz Posted June 26, 2009 Report Posted June 26, 2009 I have a friend, who lost his phone and he only a year on the 3year plan from Telus and they told him he still had to pay and he said why I'm not using it if I lost it! They said doesn't matter, he owes the money. I think if you lose you phone they should either cancel or give you a free phone. He now has pay as you go and finds it cheaper. Quote
punked Posted June 26, 2009 Report Posted June 26, 2009 I have a friend, who lost his phone and he only a year on the 3year plan from Telus and they told him he still had to pay and he said why I'm not using it if I lost it! They said doesn't matter, he owes the money. I think if you lose you phone they should either cancel or give you a free phone. He now has pay as you go and finds it cheaper. You can by a new phone to use with your plan. Quote
bush_cheney2004 Posted June 26, 2009 Report Posted June 26, 2009 Hmmm...let's see...I just found service in Hamilton, Ontariariario from Rogers for a very reasonable price....3 year plan with a bundle upgrade and Sony-Ericsson C510 3G phone at about $70 / month. The very reasonable prorated ECF is clearly stated in the check-out process: Early Cancellation Fee:If you subscribe to one of our plans or Services for a committed period of time and, if for any reason, your Service is terminated prior to the end of the commitment period, you may be subject to an Early Cancellation Fee (ECF) for each terminated Service. In connection with your wireless Service, the ECF is the greater of (i) $100 or (ii) $20 per month remaining in the plan commitment term (Term), to a maximum of $400 (plus applicable taxes), and applies for each line in the plan that is terminated. If you have subscribed to your price plan before February 1st, 2007 and you continue or renew on the same price plan on a 12, 24 or 36-month term, the ECF will be equal to $20 times the number of months remaining in the Term, to a maximum of $200. Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
Smallc Posted June 26, 2009 Report Posted June 26, 2009 I broke my phone, and Telus gave me a $100 off a new one, so I got a new phone for $100 (though it wasn't as good as my old one) so that I could finish out the contract. Quote
Argus Posted June 26, 2009 Author Report Posted June 26, 2009 Hmmm...let's see...I just found service in Hamilton, Ontariariario from Rogers for a very reasonable price....3 year plan with a bundle upgrade and Sony-Ericsson C510 3G phone at about $70 / month. The very reasonable prorated ECF is clearly stated in the check-out process You consider $70 a month for a cell phone and up to $400 to cancel the service reasonable? Do you bob your head and tug your forelock whenever anyone in a suit walks past? Quote "A liberal is someone who claims to be open to all points of view — and then is surprised and offended to find there are other points of view.” William F Buckley
bush_cheney2004 Posted June 26, 2009 Report Posted June 26, 2009 You consider $70 a month for a cell phone and up to $400 to cancel the service reasonable? Yes, particularly when I have ample opportunity to review and accept such terms. The ECF is pro-rated down to $100. You think people should be able to just walk away from their commitments? Do you bob your head and tug your forelock whenever anyone in a suit walks past? No...I fart. Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
daniel Posted June 26, 2009 Report Posted June 26, 2009 Ah, the good ol' economic theory of competition in action. A perfect example of the best service offered at the lowest price. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.