Brace Yourself: Bell is Hiking Prices for Internet, TV, and Phone [Update]

Bell MTS is set to increase prices across its services such as internet, TV and home phone, just in time to ring in the upcoming New Year.

MTS is Manitoba Telecom Services, which was acquired by Bell for $3.9 billion and approved by the federal government in 2017.

Bell MTS will increase prices for internet, home phone and TV starting on January 1, 2025. Check out the changes below according to the Bell MTS website:

Internet

• Fibe Internet Plans (Fibe 75, 100, 150, 300, 500, Gigabit Fibe, Gigabit Fibe 1.5, Gigabit Fibe 3.0): + $3.00

TV

• Fibe TV Packages (Basic, Good, Better, Best): + $2.00

Home Phone

• Basic Phone Line: + $2.00
• Home Phone Essentials: + $1.00
• Total Home Phone Package: + $1.00
• Home Phone Essentials (Thompson): + $1.01

When reached for a statement on these price increases, a Bell spokesperson told iPhone in Canada, “Since 2020, Bell has invested more than $22.8 billion to deliver Canada’s fastest and most reliable networks at competitive prices. Due to rising operating costs and an evolving market, the monthly rate of some Bell services will increase, effective January 1, 2025. We’ve provided 60 days notice to impacted customers about these changes.”

You may want to check your Bell billing statement to see if you will be impacted or not (talk about a New Year’s surprise).

“We value our customers, and we are committed to providing them with flexible options. Our plans, bundles and promotions range from premium offerings to affordable packages designed to meet the needs of different customers,” concluded the Bell spokesperson.

So why the price increases? Well, Bell did recently announced a $5 billion cash deal to buy an internet provider in the U.S., so price hikes may be needed to fund that venture.

It’s not getting any cheaper when it comes to telecom services, it seems. Earlier this year, Bell Media increased the price for Crave Premium. Last month, we saw some wireless prices go up as well.

The CRTC has been talking tough and warning Rogers, Telus and Bell to follow the rules when it comes to consumer rights. But it remains to be seen if anything can be done to control incumbents.

Update Dec. 10, 2024: Bell clarified that “specific changes vary based on region, plan and services.” So price increases could be happening outside of Manitoba as well. Check your phone bills and let us know in the comments.

Thanks James