Changing Landscape of Wireless Plans - 2009 Review of Prepaid and Postpaid Wireless Plans and Consumer Concerns

Organization

Consumers Council of Canada (CCC)

Published

2010

Summary

The Consumers Council of Canada commissioned research for this study with support from Industry Canada's Office of Consumer Affairs to investigate consumer issues concerning prepaid wireless plans in the Canadian marketplace. Consumers are passionate about their wireless service and, as of the fall of 2008 when this report was proposed, consumer complaints related to existing wireless plans included:

• Access Fees ($6.95-$8.95)
• Incoming Text messaging Charges
• Call Detail Record availability for bulk minute plans
• Billing Inaccuracies and issues
• Prepaid wireless service Expiry Policies
• Hidden Charges
• Contract Termination and hidden fees

Research was undertaken through industry channels and consumer surveys to determine:

• What are the sources of the consumer complaints?
• What types of wireless plans are offered? What is the consumer experience?
• What are the complaints types and should any consumer protection legislation be introduced?
• Have other countries introduced any consumer protection related to wireless services, particularly prepaid?
• What should the government do to enhance consumer protection?

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English only

OCA Funded Research
This research received funding support through the Office of Consumer Affairs' Contributions Program.

Contact information

Address
Consumers Council of Canada
201-1920 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON  M4S 3E2
Telephone
(416) 483-2696

Source: Consumer Policy Research Database