Long distance calling

[basketcase]

Saw in the news that one of the cell companies just stopped including free Canada-wide calling in their plans. Had me thinking about how companies still justify long distance changes. As far as I can tell, the process for long distance and local calls use the exact same infrastructure as local calls so I can't see the justification for the charges in the modern world (though I can see some governments imposing a tariff or fee on international calls).

So why are long distance charges still a thing in Canada (other than the companies can)?

 

[danmand]

Canada has the highest rates and the poorest service anywhere in the world.

 

[Cantaro]

Holy Cow!! Basketcase started a post instead of being parasitic.

 

[Cantaro]

Canada has the highest rates and the poorest service anywhere in the world.

I agree with you on that one, third world countries have cheaper service that Canada.

 

[xix]

Japan = Canada and less. Vodafone in Australia / Greece were great for me while on vacation.

 

[explorerzip]

Because we have a oligopoly in Canada. I don't see any real competition coming either. The only thing we can do is use VoIP services, Zoom, etc

 

[xix]

Smoke signals?

 

[contact]

Because we have a oligopoly in Canada. I don't see any real competition coming either. The only thing we can do is use VoIP services, Zoom, etc

no one will invest in Canada cell service because of the CRTC ownership restrictions. Europe is cheap phone works in most countries no extra fees

 

[explorerzip]

no one will invest in Canada cell service because of the CRTC ownership restrictions. Europe is cheap phone works in most countries no extra fees

Yup the market is too small for any real competition and the CRTC is way too protective of the Big 3.

 

[JohnHenry]

Since the OP never mentioned a carrier, I logged into Koodo, to check to see if I might be affected.
The new plans only have province wide long distance included, but are 5$ a month cheaper than they used to be. Adding Canada wide long distance is 5$ a month. The new plans have 6gb per month of data compared to 3 on my current plan. Seems to me to be more of a competitive edge than gouging.

 

[takrak]

I just checked my plan, I still have Unlimited CanadaWide Minutes. I'm with Fido btw.

 

[canada-man]

i am with freedom mobile i still have unlimited canada wide calls

 

[basketcase]

Holy Cow!! Basketcase started a post instead of being parasitic.

Who knew that when people start threads they don't want people to respond?

Either that or some people need a safe space where no one is allowed to question them.

 

[basketcase]

Since the OP never mentioned a carrier, I logged into Koodo, to check to see if I might be affected.
The new plans only have province wide long distance included, but are 5$ a month cheaper than they used to be. Adding Canada wide long distance is 5$ a month. The new plans have 6gb per month of data compared to 3 on my current plan. Seems to me to be more of a competitive edge than gouging.

Yes Koodo but I was thinking about the overall idea of long-distance charges in Canada, not the Koodo plan changes. Why does the CRTC still allow LD charges when there is no additional cost associated with LD any more. It's not like we have to book time on the transatlantic trunk line like the 1940s.

 

[Indiana]

third world countries have cheaper service that Canada.

D’uh

 

[Darts]

As much as I hate to say this but I have to say that Canadian consumers reminds me of this dog.
Siberian Husky temper tantrum - YouTube

 

[JeanGary Diablo]

As much as I hate to say this but I have to say that Canadian consumers reminds me of this dog.
Siberian Husky temper tantrum - YouTube

Nail on the head.

Credit due to the Husky, though; he actually did eventually get up and climb out of the tub. Canadians? We whine and moan and make threats, but when push comes to shove, we never do anything that might upset the apple cart.

Comedian Jeremy Hotz said it best: "Canadians love to pretend we're tough, but we're so bad at it."