TELUS Drops System Access Fee, Good News
In a similar move made by Rogers Wireless recently, effective November 5 2024, TELUS will drop the System Access Fee (SAF) and 911 fee from their Rate Plans and introduce “Clear Choice” plans as the new available TELUS plans which will have a $5.00.
1. TELUS Removes System Access Fee
For those on TELUS monthly voice plans, whether contracted or not, you have been paying an extra $6.95 (plus tax) every month. As of November 5, 2024, TELUS will be removing the SAF and 911 fee ($0.75; some provinces will stay pay the 911 fee, see FAQ below) from their Rate Plans. But, like Rogers Wireless, TELUS will raise their monthly plans by $5.00 and include Voicemail 3 for free as an incentive.
When Rogers Wireless did this SAF removal, they included Call Forwarding, WhoCalled, and Call Manager for free but also introduced a new fee called the GRRF or Government Regulatory Recovery Fee. At this time, it does not seem TELUS will charge this fee.
Existing TELUS clients have the option of staying on their current plans and continuing to pay the SAF and 911 fee. If they want to switch, then can, but will lose all discounts and features currently on their accounts, such as anything free, discounted or previously grandfathered that is no longer available (example: Free Unlimited Data).
2. TELUS Increases Monthly Voice Plans by $5.00
The SAF and 911 fee are eliminated and monthly plans are increased by $5.00. So an existing $25 monthly plan will now be a $30 monthly plan and look like this:
Before: $25 + $6.95 SAF + $0.75 (911) = $32.70
After: $25 + $5 (monthly increase) = $30.00
Saving with the removal of the SAF/911 fee?
$32.70 (before price) – $30.00 (after price) = +$2.70
Now if TELUS does a 180º turn and ends up charging the GRRF or something similar, then it will be a similar case as with Rogers and the new “savings” will actually end up costing consumers more per month. So as it stands, this current TELUS offer is better than Rogers and better for consumers (at least for new TELUS clients with no discounts on their plans).
Summary Of Changes
TELUS removed the “government” initiated System Access Fee and 911 Fee (for most provinces) and added:
- $5.00 increase to all plans
- Changed the name of plans to “Clear Choice”
- Added Voicemail 3 for free to Clear Choice plans
Additional FAQ’s from TELUS:
Q. Why is TELUS launching these new plans?
A. TELUS is committed to delivering exceptional client service. We recognize wireless pricing can be confusing. Clear Choice™ rate plans maintain our industry leading position on pricing transparency by making rate plans clear and simple. What you see is what you pay.
Q. Are SAF and 911 TELUS fees included in the price of TELUS Clear Choice™ plans?A. The expenses to TELUS that are currently covered by the System Access and carrier 911 fees still exist and will be covered by the Clear Choice™ plan rate.
Q. Are there any 911 costs for clients?A. Like today, certain provinces impose a regulated provincial 911 fee that TELUS is mandated to collect on their behalf. Provinces and charges are as follows:
- P.E.I (50¢)
- Nova Scotia (43¢)
- New Brunswick (53¢)
- Saskatchewan (38¢)
Plus Quebec municipal 911 tax of 40¢ as of December 1, 2024.
Q. Is there a price increase for the new Clear Choice™ rate plans?A. No. TELUS Clear Choice™ plans offer enhanced value. Monthly service fees will increase $5 due to the inclusion of Voicemail 3. Enjoy the benefits of clear and simple pricing with no SAF and carrier 911 fees. See the TELUS Clear Choice™ rate plan sample comparison chart.
Q. What happens to your current consumer rate plans? Are they being discontinued for new clients?A. Yes, as of November 5, the clear and simple Clear Choice™ suite will be our new rate plans for all new clients.
Q. As an existing TELUS client, can I stay on my existing rate plan and remove SAF and carrier 911 fees?A. No. The expenses covered by System Access and carrier 911 fees still exist, so you must continue to pay the fees while you remain on your existing plan. You have the option to change to Clear Choice™ rate plans as of November 5, but if you choose to do so, you will forfeit the benefits and features of your existing rate plan.
Q. As an existing TELUS client, can I continue to renew on my existing rate plan?A. Yes, you can. Existing clients will continue to be able to renew their current plan as it exists.
Q. Does clear and simple pricing apply to all new TELUS wireless products?A. Yes. As of November 5, both new business and consumer rate plans (including Mike and Mobile High Speed) will enjoy the benefits of clear and simple pricing.
Q. Are there any other changes coming at TELUS that could benefit me?A. TELUS is committed to delivering an exceptional client experience and living up to our brand promise – the future is friendly. We continue to listen to our clients and consumers to evolve our products and services to best meet their needs.