There has recently been a very large controversy in the Canadian cell phone market, as Bell Mobility (BCE), and TELUS Mobility (T) have announced that they will be charging clients not on a text messaging plan, $0.15/message for all incoming text messages. Bell Mobility started charging on Friday, August 8, 2008. TELUS Mobility will begin charging for incoming text messages on August 24, 2008.

Cell phone carriers in United States have been charging for incoming text messages for quite some time. This does not justify Canadian carriers charging, as voice rate plans in the United States are much lower than in Canada. A voice plan in Canada that includes 250 anytime minutes can cost upwards to $30/mo, plus system access fees and applicable taxes. For $30/mo. plus applicable taxes in the United States, you can get a plan with 600 anytime minutes. Most cell plans in the United States also include unlimited long distance within the US. Long distance in Canada is $0.35/min. on average.

This situation in Europe is quite different. Generally, all incoming calls and text messages are free. Only the user placing the calls, and sending the text messages, is charged. However, even landlines calling cell phones are charged.

There has been a lot of outrage from both consumers and government officials over this announcement. As a result, many class-action lawsuits have been launched. Canada’s Industry Minister called for an explanation, stating “I believe this was a poorly thought out decision.”

The Facebook group I’m against the text message cash-grab currently has over 36,000 members. Canada’s NDP party is strongly against this decision. All resources and information about these text messages charges are available through the Facebook group.

If you are affected by this decision, write to your elected officials. Cell phone companies taking advantage of the Canadian consumer must stop.

- Dave