Message to the only three cell phone companies in Canada

Well, it's official! Price gouging has hit a new high here in Canada. As of August 8th and August 24th, two of the three cell phone companies in Canada will start charging for incoming text messages.

How stupid is that? Why must people pay for something they don't initiate? There are three big cell phone companies in Canada: Rogers, Bell and Telus. Their prices are all similar and they all have hidden charges of some type on your bill that can cause a simple $25 monthly plan to balloon to about $40.

I used to have a cell phone with Rogers on a 3-year term, the minimum that is most affordable, while in the EU, the maximum time for a cell phone plan is 2 years. You also have to sign a contract, which by definition means that both sides have to abide by it. If the consumer wants to change the specifics or just leave a contract entirely, they have to pay dearly while if the provider changes, they send you a notice in the mail and no plans to compensate or anything like that. Disgusting.

It is really frustrating to have something like this. I look to the United States and the competition they have. Many of their plans are cheap, have more options and basically have more bang for their buck. They even have unlimited options, but you certainly don't see that here in Canada!

I vow never to buy a cell phone from any of the big three cell phone providers. I have a phone from Virgin mobile where I pay only one price per month, and it is VERY convenient! The only downside is that it won't work in the US, but that's why you have to unlock a phone!

Frustrated by my government and frustrated that I'm being gouged.