Usage Based Billing and New Services
Dear Customers,There are a lot of things going on at WEB Telecom that we want to be sure you know about, including the introduction of some exciting new services, and changes to some existing ones.
WEB Telecom VOIP SERVICE On its way!
The WEB Telecom voice over Internet (VoIP) service finish line is in sight! We will soon be launching our hot new VoIP service, aggressively priced to allow our customers to save even more with WEB Telecom while you benefit from the cutting edge "technology savvy" options you've come to expect from us! Great pricing with great features, coming soon!
Usage Based Billing-UBB
As some of you know, the CRTC recently rendered a decision forcing all independent DSL and Cable Internet providers to substantially match incumbent (like Bell) usage rate caps. This will influence all of our internet service packages eventually, but DSL residential customers in Ontario and Quebec first, as of March 1.
From March 1 on, users of the up to 5 Mbps packages in Ontario can expect a usage cap of 25GB (60GB in Quebec), substantially down from the 200GB or unlimited deals WEB Telecom was able to offer before the CRTC's decision to impose usage based billing. Users who were on unlimited package rates will be returned to $31.95 capped rates although larger blocks of bandwidth can be purchased.*
The details of our new rate plans and charges can be found there. You will be able to register using the account information found at the end of this email. More on the portal below. In addition, in order to accommodate these changes, we have amended our Terms of Service, primarily regarding implementation.
Please note if you do not choose a new service before March 1, 2011, your existing package will be transitioned into an amended package.
Content and data like Netflix, YouTube, IPTV, large file downloads or other streaming services can consume large amounts of bandwidth and place your cap limits in jeopardy very quickly. We encourage you to monitor your usage carefully, as the CRTC has imposed a very high overage rate, above your new monthly limit, of $1.90 per gigabyte ($2.35 per gigabyte in Quebec).
The CRTC did however provide an option for insurance usage blocks at $4.75 per 40GB block per month, which can be purchased if you want to reduce your cost for use above 25GB (60GB in Quebec).
Ontario and Quebec up to 5 Mbps users with a monthly limit of 25GB and 60GB respectively:
Insurance Blocks Offered:- $4.75 - 40GB extra usage
- $9.50 - 80GB extra usage
- $14.25 - 120GB extra usage (maximum 3 blocks)
- $55.00 - 275GB extra usage (maximum 240GB extra usage in Quebec)
Grandfathered User - End-user that has been a continuous customer since before Feb. 1, 2007, having a continual Residential DSL High Speed Internet service of a particular speed on the same physical phone line, in accordance with a list provided to us by Bell Canada are considered as a Grandfathered User. As a grandfathered user, you will have the choice to be moved to the new UBB options or pay an additional $5.00 per month and stay with your current package. If you are a grandfathered user and make a change to your service, you may not revert to a grandfathered plan.
Like our customers, and Canadian internet users everywhere, we are not happy with this new development. We will continue our efforts to fight the imposition of exorbitant bandwidth charges on usage with virtually no incremental cost to Bell and other UBB carriers, and we will develop strategies to restore the usage levels and costs our customers have come to expect. But we need your support to succeed, and get back to the cost structure we have a right to expect.
If like us you are disappointed with the CRTC's decision, make your views known on UBB and what it means to you (and Canada frankly) by going to www.stopthemeter.ca, where you will find a petition against UBB. Sign it, get involved, and together we will make a difference! Let everyone you know understand that Canada is about to become the most expensive internet market in the industrialized world!
We will keep you informed of our efforts, and look to you for your help.
WEB Telecom CABLE Internet Expansion
The cable Internet roll-out continues vigorously! We now have Cable Internet, at higher speeds than DSL, across much of the Greater Toronto Area, including Richmond Hill and Mississauga. Many more high speed locations are expected soon!
