[kwlug-disc] Internet prices going up

[Giles Malet]

On 31/10/2025 09:28, CrankyOldBugger wrote:
> The current monthly
> fee of your Cable Internet [...] is $54.99. From Dec 4,2025,
> your new monthly service fee will be $69.99.

That's a huge increase! 27% if my math hasn't failed me.

I'm on the same plan, and looking at the invoice it shows that the 
so-called $54.99 is actually $64.64 by the time you add $7.14 in tax, 
and if you read the small print, you'll notice there is also an 
additional "2.50 network maintenance fee" which is added after the 13% 
tax (i.e. it's supposedly not taxed).*

Exactly three years ago (Oct '22) I was charged $56.49. Next month it 
was $62.14. The next increase was in May this year, when it went to $64.64.

That's an 8.2% increase in well under three years, but a random search 
says inflation in Ontario in 2022 was 6.8%, 2023 4.0%, 2024 2.5%, 2025 
1.9%. I've no idea if that's actually correct, but with only a small 
part of '22 and some of '25 included perhaps it all makes sense.

Next month we'll pay $81.59 ($69.99 + 13% tax + $2.50). That's a 44.4% 
increase from what we paid three years and one month ago.

I'm not sure I buy their reasons for such an increase, especially 
considering the 1.9%. Like many, it will force me to look at the 
competition, yet again, and jump ship if they don't all do the same, 
which no doubt they will.

g

* I've never understood why North Americans put up with this nonsense: 
both the advertised price that has nothing to do with the actual price, 
and all the .99s. The actual price is 18% more than they state. I find 
this both annoying and insulting. Thankfully there is no tip! But I digress.