Looks like Bell Mobility has begun its phase-out of Bell MTS wireless service in Manitoba. The company told CBC News the following tonight:

Bell MTS spokesperson Andrew Parkinson told CBC News Sunday when a Bell MTS wireless customer upgrades their device, they will now be moved over to a Bell Mobility plan.

So once a Bell MTS wireless customers upgrades their device, they’ll be forced to take up a Bell Mobility wireless plan, with their old Bell MTS service disappearing for good. Bell did not confirm when these new changes came into effect.

According to Bell, this only affects legacy MTS wireless customers. Bell MTS customers will still be able to bundle their new Bell wireless service with existing bundles.

Back in March 2017, Bell MTS officially launched wireless service in Manitoba, after acquiring MTS in a $3.9 billion deal.

Bell acquired just over 700,000 wireless customers and promised to retain MTS wireless service rates for at least 12 months. However, the company increased rates of home phone, TV and Internet six months later. But 16 months later, Bell increased prices of plans by $5 per month and axed the Bell MTS unlimited flat-rate data plan.