Shaw: Plans to charge for going over internet limit on hold
Posted February 9, 2011 9:26 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – They hear you loud and clear; Shaw is backing off plans to charge customers for going over their Internet usage limits.
The plans have been put on hold to allow the communications giant more time to consult with the public. The consultation period is set to last two months. After that, Shaw will look at its options and announce a revised service plan later this Spring.
Originally, the move towards caps was to coincide with a CRTC decision effectively put an end to unlimited internet plans in Canada. Shaw President Peter Bissonnette admits a flat-rate, unlimited internet service could be an option that may be considered in new plans.
Shaw will release times and locations for its public consultations this Monday.
Openmedia.ca responds
We’ve won the battle, but not the war. Openmedia.ca says its ongoing “Stop the Meter” petition drive helped make Shaw rethink its stance on usage caps.
National Coordinator Steve Anderson feels Shaw is caving to public pressure now. “I think that they’re on their heels, backing up right now. But that doesn’t mean that they will be gone for good.”
But he adds this is no time to ease up on the big ISPs. “That’s really what’s moving things,” says Anderson. “If we want to make sure that this sort of victory sticks.. people need to get on [our website] and sign, and share it with their family and friends. We need to keep that pressure up.”
