Jan 2010 Price Increase

  • Thread starter Thread starter cslusarc
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I am doing the same thing- I will be cutting back my service by the exact amount of whatever raise they put on there, including if the TV Tax goes through. I would also like to have basically some sort of "standard" package, plus all the HD channels and then be able to select other themes or channels to fill out. I know two other people who have been doing basically the same - one has now quit Bell altogether (electing another provider), the other is about to switch back to Cable. Bell had better start paying attention or they may start losing people big time!
 
I asked this very question once and was informed that as packages/bundles change it costs them more to maintain the old... it has the sweet smell of BellS***:rolleyes:
 
"A company as large as bell should be the leader in setting trends, not following them. Don't you think?"

Leader? Of all the companies I deal with, Bell is dead last in terms of satisfaction. Now I have to admit I have never dealt with Rogers (I am on the Rogers network, but I do it through the 7 Eleven pre-paid plan so I don't get locked into a contract). So I suppose it is possible that if I did, Rogers would be dead last.
 
Keep it - it's the best Legacy package. The only thing that might make you want to change is the ability to get newer channels and more HD.
 
I think they are increasing price to compensate for the fee that the over the air stations want to be paid by the providers; even if the former say it should not be reflected to the consumers.
 
I also wonder about contracts, because let's say that they increased the fee by not $2. but $20.? We still have to eat that because we sign the contract? Does the contract say that you will give up your first born as well?
 
That has nothing to do with this increase. They have already passed the LPIF through to consumers. You can be sure, if allowed, when the TV tax happens that it will be tacked on top of the prices, whatever they are at the time.
 
I've read the current Equipment Rental Agreement, and Under Section 21 (which I've copied below), I believe the increase in rental fee should allow us to cancel the rental of the SD box without termination fee.

"To the extent permitted by applicable law, Bell TV may amend or change the terms and conditions of this Agreement (and any other document referenced herein including the RCA and the Rental Warranty) and any rates, charges, fees, Service and Programming Plan at any time. Bell TV will notify you in advance of any amendment or change, and the effective date of that amendment or change, so that you may cancel the good or service affected by such amendment or change, as your sole and exclusive remedy, if you don​
 
I agree. My opinion is that the two are unrelated, and every company is going to make the consumer pay for the extra "tv tax". That's why all the companies are making a big stink about it now, so that when they do tack it on, they can appear blameless. After all, they stood up for us. ;)
 
...and so I started looking at what package I could create that would bring my price paid per month down. Here's a kicker - I currently pay just over $70/mo. plus fees and taxes, I could get the exact same package as a new subscriber for $57. What gives with that - do they really want me to go away for a couple of months and return as "new" or do I call and start harassing someone?
Unless they can match that price, I may re-think and go with a dual system of cable and Bell off and on, month or two at a time, to get the "new" deals.
What a weird business model!!!
 
I just did a chat with bell online and got this transcript:

Chat Transcript
info: A chat representative will be with you in about 0 minute(s). Thank you for waiting.
info: Chat representative Amber has joined the session and is ready to help. To start, please provide your name and home phone number.
Amber: Hello, thank you for visiting bell.ca. How may I help you today?
You: I am looking on the website and I see that some packages prices are going up Jan 1, 2010.
You: Are the theme added cost going up too? ie I have 5 themes for $23...is that going up
Amber: No, it will be same for you.
Amber: Web site price is applicable for only new customers.
You: I have HD Basic and 5 themes...so what will the price increase be in Jan
Amber: Not to worry, your price will be same.
Amber: It will not increase.
You: ok thanks
Amber: May I know the TV package currently you have?
You: HD Basic with 5 themes
Amber: Ok.
You: but if there is a price increase the cable company here has apackage with the channels I want for a better price
Amber: Since, you are an existing customer of Bell TV, it will be same for you.


She is saying this is for new people only.
 
I'm a little disappointed. Since Saturday evening when I posted this thread, I've discovered that my original post is incorrect. The $2/month price increase for customers with English programming applied to both Digital Standard and Premium Movies and not to Digital Themes when you have 6 or more Digital Themes.

For my parent's this is worse than we thought, their package of Digital Standard, 4 HD Themes, 5 Digital Themes and Premium Movies looks like it will rise by $4 per month. They now pay $84 per month before rental fees ($10/month for a 6141), the $3 Digital Service Fee, Loyalty Discounts (next months should be $94) and Taxes. They will pay $88 per month for the programming beginning on their January billing cycle.
 
I think that the $2 per month increase to Premium Movies is because Bell TV's costs for this package have went up since they've added the HD feeds of KTLA, WPIX and WSBK, plus they're going to add AMC (in both SD and HD) later on this month.
 
Bell probably negated that clause, at least on the receiver, by offering a credit as compensation. I suspect that a court would uphold your argument. OTOH, it is worth it for $20 or even $200? I would be tempted to take the $20 and call it a deal. You might be able to get more by escalating the matter. Just do it within 30 days.
 
I suggest you read your contract :)

Prices are subject to change at any time. The contract offers you little or no protection unless it is a "price protection" contract that explicitly states the price will not change for its duration.
 
You've read the agreement correctly dkhm. However, Bell lawyers drafted it VERY carefully. You may cancel your service at ANY time for ANY reason, however, if you are still in your contract you must pay the early termination fee. This is regardless of your reasons for leaving them. The justification you will hear from Bell is that they have spent money on you to get you as a client, and if you don't complete your contract, they can't recover the costs involved in making you a client. For the most part I think everyone can agree that is a fair argument.

But I'll agree with you, the wording of their contracts offers little protection to the consumer and every protection to the company. There's little recourse though, because (as mentioned) Bell drafts these contracts VERY carefully and the chances of beating them in court are slim to none. The only way you can avoid being trapped into a contract is by not signing one, but be prepared to lay out a lot of cash and not get many incentives. Buyer beware as always.
 
The clause lets you cancel, but does negate the early termination fee.

/you
I want to cancel because of the price increase.
/Bell CSR
We're very sorry to hear you want to cancel. It's unfortunate, but we must raise our fees in order to keep bringing you outstanding and excellent service.
/you
Hello, are we talking about Bell?
/Bell CSR
Yes, I'm talking about Bell :) Did you know that we offer the most full HD channels in Canada? We also have the #1 Canadian consumer rated PVR?
/you
Doesn't matter. Please cancel.
/Bell CSR
Yes sir. I see you are in a 2 year contact with 14 months remaining. That will be $$$ amount of money to cancel. Do you want to pay that amount now with a credit card?
/you
Hang up phone in disgust.

Remember, they got you by the short and curlies :)
 
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