Saskatchewan, along with Manitoba and Quebec, normally have cheaper wireless pricing versus the rest of Canada because of regional players such as SaskTel, Videotron and MTS (before being acquired by Bell).
For a while now, the flanker brands of Rogers, Telus and Bell—Fido, Koodo and Virgin—have offered a $48/5GB bring your own device (BYOD) plan in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, but as of late, it’s no longer being offered (the plan was even sold on the ‘wireless black market’ at one point).
BYOD plans from Fido, Koodo and Virgin in Saskatchewan and Manitoba now align with the rest of Canada, except for a couple of pay-per-use data plans.
Koodo’s pay-per-use data plan with unlimited minutes is $35 in Saskatchewan, but $40 outside of the province. Virgin Mobile’s identical plan is $40 in Saskatchewan and Manitoba but $45 elsewhere.
According to a Koodo spokesperson, the $48/5GB plan was a promotion which ended roughly about a month ago. Fido and Virgin Mobile did not respond in time for comment.
Pricing disparity between provinces has been a longstanding issue amongst consumer advocacy groups and customers claiming the practice was unfair. With the CRTC currently launching a review of wireless services in Canada to “improve choice and affordability,” having similar pricing nationwide (except in Quebec), may be a move by telcos to appease regulators.
This morning it was reported an upcoming Liberal election promise will seek to lower wireless and internet pricing–just in time for this fall’s election.
Thanks Muhammad
