Behind the scenes of the ultra-competitive telecom market, an unusual offer is currently circulating. Rogers and Bell, the two heavyweights of the sector, are reportedly discreetly offering certain customers a standout mobile plan: 50 GB of data with unlimited use in Canada and the United States, all for $35 per month.
This offer, which does not appear in any official advertising on their websites, is said to be used as a targeted retention or “win-back” tool. It would be reserved for former subscribers considering leaving the carrier, or for new customers willing to port their number from a competitor. Several people report having secured this rate by negotiating directly over the phone or via live chat with a representative.
A defensive response to competition
This move comes amid intense competitive pressure, particularly from aggressive offers by rivals such as Freedom Mobile. During the holiday promotions period, the battle for each subscriber intensifies. Rather than lowering prices across the board, each giant appears to be fine-tuning its commercial strategy in real time, reserving its best deals for situations where a customer departure is imminent.
What this reveals about the market
This practice highlights two realities of the sector:
- The gap can be significant between publicly advertised prices and negotiable offers available through customer service.
- The real price war is often fought quietly, in one-on-one discussions, rather than on billboards.
For consumers, this episode serves as a reminder: in the telecom landscape, it can pay to ask questions and negotiate, especially if you are ready to compare competing offers. The transparency on display is sometimes only the tip of the pricing iceberg.
