The Competition Bureau is suing Canada’s big three wireless carriers and an industry association for allegedly misleading consumers about the cost of premium texting services. The allegation accuses Bell, Rogers, and Telus of allowing so-called third party operators to sell such things as trivia questions and ringtones in a way that makes it look as if they are free. The net impact on consumers is to mislead them into charges they didn’t see coming. The Competition Bureau is looking for a $10 million dollar fine from each from the wireless firms. The bureau notes that it can cost as much as $10 per transaction and up to $40 for a monthly subscription over and above standard texting plans. Bureau commissioner Melanie Aitken says the investigation showed that consumers are under a false impression with respect to the cost of texting plans. CBC.ca
