The cost of internet and phone services is expected to decrease in Canada, according to the latest edition of Canada’s Price Comparison Study of Telecom Services.
According to a recent government news release, “in Canada, cellphone prices decreased by an average of 2.6% last year across all levels, with cuts of up to 16% expected for the largest data plans by 2022.” The cost of home internet has either increased or decreased, with a reduction of 11% for mid-range plans.
During the period between 2019 and 2022, the Consumer Price Index reveals that “cellular services prices fell by about 30%,” which is consistent with a larger trend.
Affordability is an important factor for Canada’s newcomers
Telecom services are becoming more affordable everywhere, according to the most recent statistics. Newcomers to Canada will benefit the most from this trend because affordability will help everyone.
Based on a Century Initiative study, immigrants’ median income in Canada lags $7,300 behind that of the national average after five years. The median wages of immigrants from Canada were also 18% lower than those of Canadian-born workers in 2019.
Because newcomers typically start off with lower incomes than average Canadians, it is crucial to give them access to reasonably priced goods and services. For Canadian immigrants, price awareness and accessibility of basic products and services, from telecommunications to groceries, are crucial for them to be able to adjust to their new country comfortably.
Declining in the cost of internet and phone services is beneficial for new Canadians
This cost reduction will be of considerable benefit to immigrants to Canada, particularly when it comes to communication costs.
Several reasons contribute to this, including the need to search for work online or place phone calls to family members both locally and abroad when Canadian immigrants use these services.
Most immigrants to Canada are active on social media sites like Insta and Facebook. According to a survey of Canadian immigrants conducted in 2022, 42% rely heavily on social media for news. Additionally, 31% of respondents reported using social media on six or more sites, according to the same survey.
The following are the most common reasons Canadian immigrants use social media:
- Using platforms like LinkedIn to find employment opportunities.
- Use social media sites like Facebook to network with other recent immigrants and learn about regional events.
- Watching videos and media on YouTube or TikTok to learn about Canada and embrace Canadian culture.
If telecom services are less expensive, immigrants will find it easier to use online tools such as social media for pursuing careers in Canada and establishing or maintaining friendships and social connections with both new Canadians and those left behind in their homeland.
