Provincial “discrimination”

[Gridkot]

Hi!

I am a Telus customer for 40+ years. I am traveling across Canada and the U.S. and now have a TMobile SIM card in my unlocked iPhone. I purchased it in Chicago for $55.00 USD unlimited text/talk in U.S. and Canada and data 10Gb in U.S. / 5Gb in Canada per month.

I thought, “Telus should be able to match this!” And to my surprise, they can. In Manitoba. But I live in Alberta. So on the website I go to start the apples to apples comparison. No can do, only apples to oranges comparison. So first road block. Next surprise is that there is a $40 CAD difference A MONTH for almost the same plans. Hmmm...

So am I being penalized for living in Alberta, Telus? Your birthplace?

So now I contemplate telling everyone I know to get a U.S. SIM card and leave Canadian cellular companies altogether. Is there an equitable solution to this? Please help me understand this discrepancy. I want to learn.

[BillTelusCust]

I believe there are constraints as to how much you can use your T-Mobile account in Canada in relation to how much it is used in the US, so unless you are present mostly in the US, this isn't going to work long term.  That said, I do not care for the regional variances in Canada nor the disparity with the American plans....

[Syaoran · Accepted solution]

I have never had any issues with my T-Mobile plan that I use just as much in Canada as I do in the US.  T-Mobile does reserve the right to cancel any line that does abuse their services, but I have had my current T-Mobile plan and number since 2013 on a similar grandfathered plan with a cheaper rate.  The only reason I keep a Canadian number is some of my Canadian friends and family have garbage Canadian plans that don't come with US texting and calling. 

For those not worried about people calling or texting them, MetroPCS, one of T-Mobile's subsidiaries, has a $50 USD unlimited calling, texting, and data plan with Canada included (only 5GB of LTE in Canada per month though), data and texting in 184 countries, when you sign up for auto pay with your account.  All MetroPCS accounts are pre-paid and accept international credit cards.  Better yet, they roam on to the Bell/Telus network when you are in Canada.  

Edit:  One other thing worth mentioning.  Those prices get cheaper when you sign up more than one line at once.  If you sign up for two lines, you pay $40 USD for each.  If you go all out with 4, it will cost you $100 USD for 4 lines with unlimited Canada and US calling, texting, with unlimited LTE in the US but 5GB of data when in Canada.  

[Gridkot]

Thanks Syaoran!

Just the info I needed. Did you get another phone for your CAN sim or do you flip flop? I have a friend who has a Samsung phone that allows two SIM cards but it is slow. I drank the Apple koolaid long ago and am on an iPhone. I guess I should drop Telus to pay as I go and keep the TMobile. At least it’s a sexy Chicago number!

My Telus number is on all my business cards so I am weary to drop the number altogether... decisions decisions.

[Dogger596]

Every province or region (with all Canadian Carriers) have different rate plans. This is due to the different levels of competition in each province. I expect that rates with go up in Manitoba at some point in the near future. Now that Bell bought MTS there is now less competition there and as such rates will rise for all carriers.

[NFtoBC]

In addition to what @BillTelusCust said, Bell, the purchaser of MTS was obligated to maintain the pricing structure for 12 months. that time has now elapsed, and new plans are getting closer to those in BC, AB, ON, and Atlantic Canada. Videotron in QC, and the government owned SaskTel are the only locations offering lower prices on a continuing basis.

[TwitchyPuppy]

I’m surprised T-Mo hasn’t cancelled your line, already, as their service require a US address and most of usage there.

[Syaoran]

Giving them a US address isn't difficult.  They don't care where my usage is.  They care that the bill is paid.  

I carry two phones currently.  I flashed my Telus S9 Plus with the US U1 firmware to give me band 71 on T-Mobile.  My V30 I use on Telus currently.  I also have a Nexus 6P and am looking at picking up a Note 9 because T-Mobile has it for 50% off when you pre-order.  The rebate is give through 24 months of bill credits unless you pay it off sooner.  I usually put a phone on installments and then pay it off after the first month, which gets me the full credit as soon as it is paid off.  

[Gridkot]

I explained that I needed a SIM card while in the US. No problems so far. They didn’t even ask for an address. I don’t think that’s a thing anymore. As long as they have their money.

[Syaoran]

Most don't!  However, if you want to enable WiFi Calling, just give them an address local to your number and that will be good enough.  They will never send you anything.  They just need it for E-911 legalities.  When you call 911 over WiFi, it gets routed to the closest centre to your address on file.