A unifying thread, linking cellular subscribers around the world, seems to be that people want lower rates. No matter what you are paying, it is human nature to want to pay less.
In Europe, with competitive wireless service providers driving better than 100% penetration, consumer group BEUC is calling for regulatory intervention because of high roaming fees.
The issue for the Bureau Européen des Unions de Consommateurs are the rates charged to consumers when they are out of their home country. BEUC commissioned a study that showed fees have not come down, despite new roaming schemes introduced last summer under threat of EU-wide price limits.
For Canadian cellular customers travelling internationally, it is small comfort to hear that Europeans are also complaining.
A Toronto-based colleague of mine was in Florida last week and he saved hundreds of dollars in roaming fees by picking up a T-Mobile pre-paid phone on arrival. For $50 (US), he was given a new handset and 450 anytime minutes to call or receive calls anywhere in the US. The minutes expire in 90 days, but when he adds just $50 more to his account, his minutes will be good for 12 months. Total cost: $100 for 12 months, 1000 minutes. No system access fees. No monthly charges. No contract. Additional minutes are around 10 cents or less.
Can someone tell me which Canadian rates are comparable?