Wednesday 4 September 2013

Please, Verizon, Come Back!

Yes, this is the day that I write about wanting a soulless American corporation, with crappy customer service and disdain for its own workers, to come to Canada.


Despite the fact that Canada is one of the most developed nations in the world, we have some of the highest cell phone costs.

Yes, even random African countries get a better rate on their data plans than we do. I pay about $70 for my fairly basic plan, which I had to lock in to for three years in order to get the phone for $0. Ugh.



As their failed "Fair for Canada" propaganda campaign highlighted to Canadians, ROBELLUS (Rogers, Bell, Telus) controls almost the entire Canadian market place. More consumers were alerted to the fact, though this campaign, of just how closed the system is.

Yes, 30+ million Canadians have just three real choices for cell phone coverage. Even these 'boutique' firms like Koodo and Fido are owned by ROBELLUS. Without any real choice (Wind Mobile is about it) of alternatives, we're basically forced to take it up the tailpipe.

It was with some anticipation that we heard of Verizon wanting to come to Canada, prompting ROBELLUS to crap their pants.

Sadly, for lack of a better word, Verizon has decided not to enter the Canadian marketplace.

Verizon’s decision to stay out of Canada deals a stinging blow to the government’s efforts to make the wireless market more competitive and consumer-friendly, say industry experts. 

“Without someone like Verizon, what will end up happening is the Big Three will win,” says Walid Hejazi, a professor at the Rotman School of Management.

The Big Three -- Bell, Rogers and Telus -- have a combined 90 per cent market share. They have spent much of the summer telling consumers through an ad campaign that Verizon’s entry into the wireless market would be “unfair” and cost Canadian jobs.

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I had no real intention of joining up with Verizon (unless they gave me the best rate), but I was hoping they would make an impact. The only way we'll get reasonable rates is if we get some real competition. If Canadians firms can't do it, then let the Yanks in until ROBELLUS is scared straight.

 

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