In an ethically-questionable business move, Canadian carrier Telus is pushing customers off of an “unlimited” data plan – with force. Reports note that the carrier is discontinuing it’s $75 “no-cap” plan used with data cards and moving them to a $65 1GB package. This is a huge problem for users in rural parts of Canada where only dial-up internet service has been available. Telus is citing its Terms of Service as a reason to discontinue customers who are on the plan.
The TOS states: “You will use the service for customary voice, messaging and wireless Internet data purposes only. You will not use the service for: multi-media streaming; voice over Internet protocol; or any other application which uses excessive network capacity or may otherwise adversely impact other users, that is not made available to you by TELUS. You will not resell the service to any other person. You will not abuse any flat rate or unlimited use service plan offered by TELUS.”
Carrier terms of service are often nebulous and they themselves have a tendency to wonder what the hell they mean. Some users are asking what “customary” is. Your definition, our definition, and that of Telus will probably yield three entirely different results. Either way, we think that this is particularly sketchy and shouldn’t be tolerated by affected Canadians. Throw some ‘bows, fellas.
Thanks, Brian!
