And so it begins… Within weeks of the CRTC announcing that the carriers and telcos have a right to charge customers based on their usage instead of a flat connection rate, Rogers Inc is now contemplating a super-awesome idea: charging their customers for “data priority.”
According to iPhoneInCanada, Rogers has approached consumers and asked their thoughts on having a “premium service that would ensure connectivity in the light of high network usage.”
Awesome.
So, here’s the obvious question: what constitutes “high network usage?” At the rate that the 3G network and fibre bandwidth is evolving in Canada, we’ll reach “high network usage” in no time. Sure, I’m being a little sarcastic, but this could be a real problem. Being stuck downtown without cellular service on Canada Day is one thing, but being stuck downtown on Canada Day with a stab wound, unable to call an ambulance because you didn’t pay the premium is another. What a gem of an idea.
Let’s future forecast a little here. If this is successful on the mobile network, how long will it take until it’s applied to 3G data, or worse, tethered internet connections?
As need for mobile technologies increases, lower social-economic classes will be treated like second class citizens. This is a real problem. Imagine one child being able to complete his homework because his parents are able to pay for the “extra” service on their plans, while another can’t get a connection because his parents are working minimum wage jobs. Stay classy Rogers.
This is downright disgusting, and Rogers should be ashamed they even thought it up. The telecommunications system in Canada is joke, and what’s worse is that the CRTC is an even bigger joke.
Go Team Canada.
Sometimes I feel like moving out to the woods and leaving all this bullshit behind.
Article Via iPhone In Canada
