Critics call Big Telecom’s low data plans ‘embarrassing’

"It's embarrassing and quite frankly it's rude to think that these are functional plans,"

Bell, Rogers and Telus' proposed lower-cost, data-only wireless deals are no deal at all, say critics. The offerings include half a gigabyte (GB) of data for $30 a month.

"It's embarrassing and quite frankly it's rude to think that these are functional plans," said Laura Tribe, executive director of Open Media, a consumer watchdog group.

In March, the CRTC announced that it would ensure Canadians have access to cheaper, data-only wireless deals. The plans are meant to fill a void while the telecom regulator reviews a recent decision that effectively hinders smaller, WiFi-based, national discount wireless carriers from operating in Canada.