Most Manitobans believe internet and cell phone plan prices will rise and data caps imposed if Bell Canada’s proposed takeover of MTS proceeds, according to a poll.
The June 7 poll, conducted by Environics for the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) on behalf of the Manitoba branch of the Consumers’ Association of Canada and the Public Interest Law Centre, found that 53 per cent of present MTS customers thought internet access prices would rise and 54 per cent thought cell phone plan prices would rise.
A majority (51 per cent) also expected their overall communications bill to rise if Bell takes over MTS and 59 per cent disagreed that the proposed takeover would lead to faster rollout of high-speed internet service to rural areas.
Three-quarters said they expected home internet data caps to be introduced if the merger is approved, and 74 per cent believed unlimited cell phone data plans would no longer be offered by Bell.
Eight per cent of respondents thought internet and cell phone service prices would drop after a merger, while 10 per cent said they thought their overall communications bill would go down.
“Manitoba customers think the [Bell] offer for MTS will hurt them where it matters most,” said John Lawford, executive director and general counsel to the PIAC, in a news release.
NDP infrastructure critic Jim Maloway said Premier Brian Pallister was advocating for the deal despite public opposition.
“Pallister is out there advocating for a deal that less than a quarter of Manitobans support, even though it will damage our cell phone market and leave families with higher bills for little to no benefit,” said Maloway.
Pallister said May 20 when Bell-MTS announced new cell sites along Highway 75 that such investments would improve communications services and support Manitoba’s ability to prosper.
“The Bell-MTS commitment to improving Highway 75 wireless coverage will enhance the safety and efficiency of a strategic trade and travel artery that is a vital component of Manitoba’s trade and transportation network,” said Pallister in a Bell-MTS press release, which noted that Bell was committed to spend $1 billion over five years on broadband wireless and fibre communications services in Manitoba if the deal is approved by regulators.
The proposed sale, announced May 2, is expected to close by the end of 2016 or early 2017, subject to court, regulatory and shareholder approval.
The deal is also subject to review by the federal government under the Competition Act and the Broadcasting Act.
“The good news is, Manitobans have the power to stop this deal,” Maloway said. “The Competition Bureau is reviewing this deal and is welcoming concerns from the public. I hope Pallister listens to hard-working Manitobans and joins us in opposing a sale that is not in the best interest of Manitoba families.”
