Now official: Telus to slash roaming rates by 60% in two weeks and left-jabs Rogers in the process
In a rare move of only semi-provoked kindness to consumers, telco titan Telus has announced that it will officially slash its international wireless data roaming rates by 60 percent effective June 27.
Following a report by the OECD that suggested Canadian telcos (Bell, Rogers, Telus) charge the world's highest rates for out-of-country wireless data usage—double the global average—Telus stepped forward last week to announced that it could cut rates by 50 percent and "still be profitable."
Now Telus will do just that, calling its new discounted roaming "Clear and simple international travel pricing."
Telus has also been engaged in a rare attack on a fellow oligarch member, Rogers.
"After the launch of our new HSPA+ wireless network in late 2009, Telus was able to offer our customers a true international roaming capability for the first time, ending Rogers' monopoly in international roaming for Canadians," said David Fuller, TELUS Chief Marketing Officer.
Typically, these companies avoid fighting with each other, instead peacefully agreeing to all charge equally ludicrous amounts for their products and services and being, no doubt, highly content to do so—so this is an interesting move.
David went on to say that "We quickly started working with carriers around the world to negotiate reduced roaming rates for our customers and we now want to make it as simple and affordable as possible for our customers to use their smartphones wherever they go, without coming home to a surprise on their bill. We understand what our customers want and we've been working hard over the last few years to give them exactly what they are asking for—clear and simple rate plans without system access and 911 carrier fees, a device unlocking service, a free SMS data notification service so they know how much data they have used, and easier access to affordable long distance rates through our recently-announced Skype partnership. Today, we are adding clear, simple and affordable international roaming rates for all of our customers."
Half-off roaming rates in two weeks. Perhaps the future IS friendly.
