Annual price increase for "improved" services

[me79]

In the last two years Fido has implemented an increase of $2 in 2023 and now $3 in 2024 for "improved" services. Exactly what are these improved services that require an across the board increase, nobody really knows. Have I experienced any improvement in Fido's services? Generally no. What I'm witnessing is an underhanded strategy to increase price plan at a time when everyone is suffering from inflation.

What is absurd to me as a customer is responses like these:

"no offers/promotions are forever and can change and end at any time those exclusive offers typically do not state a start or end date as they can end at any time." Does Fido pride itself with excellent customer service when such statements are made that indicate a lack of transparency and poor communication? Why aren't there clear indications of how long these promotions last so customers knowingly sign up for what they can afford, instead of having the rug pulled right from under them at any time. We are emailed full documents of what the plan includes, and how we will be billed, giving the impression that we know what we signed up for, but why bother if these plans are subject to change at any time? What is this nonesense? Are we expected as customers to passively accept these kinds of corporate bullying behaviours?

Even responses that price increases are to be expected and even allowed as long as notification appears in small print at the bottom of a billing cycle without any indications of why these increases and for what services they are being applied. I would love to see specific itemized changes that  indicate how these increases are improving services for me and others who have signed up to be Fido customers. For all I know, Fido is only trying to increase its profit margins, and as a customer, that is of zero interest to me. I signed up to be a Fido customer because it claimed to be the more affordable option. But if it continues to apply these increases, I don't see how it is any different than other telecommunication companies gouging its customers.

[FidoAllan]

Hey! I understand where you're coming from, @me79. 

While we make every effort to minimize the impact these change may have on our customers, price adjustment are occasionally necessary as part of routine business operations. These modifications enable us to make the improvements required to satisfy growing consumer demand and provide top-notch connection.

If such changes are required, we will always notify you via bill message at least 30 days in advance as outlined in our Terms of Service. This policy is very similar with other postpaid carriers. 

We're always happy to go over your options if you reach out to customer service.

[hirscho]

How about this for a service improvement, even though it is not even worth the $5 you are charging me more now: send such notifications by text message rather than hiding them in a bill that I rarely consult since I have set up automatic payment.

You have no problem spamming me by text with offers from your parent company Rogers that I couldn't care less about, but such important information as price increases cannot be relayed by means that ensure everybody is made aware of them?

Not to mention that it would be rather preferable for me to keep the current price of a plan rather than receiving those ridiculous offers for 100Gb or more of data that I will never need in my lifetime since WiFi is everywhere these days.  Leave those plans and prices for those who are willing to switch to you and leave people be who are perfectly happy with their plans.

The mobile phone market in Canada is a joke, and you are a prime example of it!

[Cawtau]

Hello Hirscho,

Welcome to the community!

  I don't think anyone likes price increases. I understand people like the notion that prices would never increase. Unfortunately, however, the cost of everything increases. At some point, those added costs would eventually increase the operating costs for companies. I don't think it's feasible for any business to not occasionally adjust their service/plan prices in response to rising operating costs.

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@hirscho wrote:

...send such notifications by text message rather than hiding them in a bill that I rarely consult since I have set up automatic payment....

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  Unfortunately, I don't think just sending notification of an increase in price via text message is practical. I understand customers often receive other notifications via text message, however, they cannot be considered an official means of notification. While the mobile providers can send out notifications via text messages, there is no guarantee (or verification) customers will actually receive the messages. There are situations where those messages would not be received and therefore customers not notified. For example, if a device is turned off or unreachable for a number of days, the SMS messaging centre won't be able to deliver the messages. It might not be a big deal if a customer does not receive a notification of a promotional offer. However, customers would complain they were not notified of a price increase, even though the text messages might have been sent.

  On the other hand, all post-paid customers receive a bill. Having official notifications mentioned on the bills ensures they are, at least, received by customers. Customers are expected to go over their monthly bills even if they have pre-authorised payments enabled. Whether customers choose to review their bills or not is not any business' responsibility.

Hope this helps 😀

Cheers

[hirscho]

While I understand your point, your argument is me. Right now you offer 50Gb for $35 after $10 discount, which makes it effectively the same price as my 20Gb plan. If things are getting more expensive, then that plan should cost $60, not $35 with a discount. After all my 20Gb are so expensive that you need to increase the price.

As for the notifications, faire enough. However, banks for example aren't hiding price changes in statements either, and I am sure those are consulted more often than utility invoices. Those come by email, but I guess even that is too much to ask die from Fido

[james6161]

I dont need any improvements the service was just fine. Let the new subscribers pay for any improvements you may need.