UBB Shelved ... why it is important to speak up!
Ed: Through a CRTC (Canadian Radio & Telecommunication Coneheads) decision, all DSL resellers were forced to charge additional fees to all customers.
My current rate of $31.95 for 200GB, in Ontario, would result in a decrease to 25GB and I would be forced to get a 120GB "insurance policy" that would cost $15/mth extra or $46.95 for 145GB.
Well the people spoke ...
(UBB - Usage-based billing)
Dated Feb 11/2011
Dear TekSavvy Customer,
Because of your support and participation in reaching out to the various MPs and the Minister of Industry we're pleased to announce that the March 1st UBB implementation date has been suspended indefinitely.
With over 460,000 signatures having been sent to Parliament Minister Clement and the Industry committee requested the CRTC review its recent decision in full, which it has obliged and are now doing. Until this review has occurred UBB over DSL has been completely shelved. Minister Clement also added they would overturn the review should it resemble in any way to the previous outcome!
So, congratulations to all who've spoken up about this issue, you've made a huge difference. As a Canadian, today, I can honestly say it's refreshing to know politicians do listen and will affect change when the public at large shows concern!
Effective March 1st we are going to move forward and make changes to the Usage, but we're going to make it a positive one!
We are reinstating the Unlimited package but the 200GB package will be changed... to 300GB! UBB is about Internet Costs, and as a result of lower costs with our providers (Peer1, Lime Light, etc...), costs outside our relationship with companies like Bell, we are extending
the savings on to you, the clients... Enjoy!
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For those that "didn't know that" ... years ago I was with a major cable provider (Rogers) and "bundled" my services to save money. Well in my case through finagling I wasn't forced by contract, but I did save 15% for Cell/Net/Cable.
Since then I have reviewed everything top down. To get the 15% you really need to include home phone as well. But based on a accounting problem (not billing) my PVR for cable was locked out for two weeks. That made me think - too much service with company. My phone had continued to be with Bell. I had both Rogers internet and Bell DSL and eventually tossed the Rogers.
I researched and ended up.
... keeping cable with Rogers [currently no "bundling" discounts; so I lose here but save below]
... Moving my cell from Rogers to Koodo (immediately saved about $15/mth)
... Moving my internet from Bell to Teksavvy (drop from $55+tax to $30) [They do not offer ANY contract - but provide the best prices always]
... Moving my home phone from Bell to Teksavvy (got the EXACT features I wanted cheaper than with Bell) [READ - not forced into taking "5" packages that you couldn't care less about and having to pay a premium for that one service not included]
Overall by NOT selling my soul to Rogers, I have saved money and chose the right services with the right companies for right now. The easy answer is always giving one company your business and SAVING MONEY, but I firmly believe one really needs to think about things like that and see if it makes sense - money aside.
Teksavvy is a small player reselling over Bell lines and Roger's cable - I'd rather shovel some money over to them and give Bell/Roger's less money, directly. As you have read above - their focus isn't lining the pockets of the fat cats in the ivory towers.
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