In the ever-evolving world of telecommunications, choosing the right provider can be the difference between seamless communication and constant frustration. Telus Mobility, once a prominent name in Canadian telecommunications, has increasingly fallen out of favour due to its questionable business practices and subpar customer service. This blog post is a subjective personal opinion from the author, Jarred Smith, shared in an editorial article framework. While many might have stuck with Telus out of habit or lack of alternatives, the landscape has changed, and so should your service provider. If you’ve ever felt trapped by Telus, you’re not alone. This detailed exposé will shed light on the top 10 reasons why Telus Mobility is a scam and why it’s high time to consider a switch. Note that this extends to their sub-brands and associated companies, including Koodo Mobile and Public Mobile. Avoid these brands as well, as they share the same problematic practices as Telus.
Bait and Switch Customer Service
One of the most frustrating aspects of Telus Mobility is its two-faced approach to customer service. When you’re a potential new customer, the response is immediate and friendly. They’re eager to set up your new line or sell you the latest phone. However, the moment you become an existing customer looking to alter or cancel your plan, the tables turn. Suddenly, you find yourself on hold for hours, navigating a maze of unhelpful customer service representatives. This bait and switch tactic ensures they get you on board quickly but makes it incredibly difficult for you to leave or change your plan, trapping you in a cycle of poor service.
Hidden Fees and Charges
Telus has perfected the art of sneaking in hidden fees. Monthly bills often contain mysterious charges that were never clearly communicated. These could be small amounts that fly under the radar but accumulate over time, significantly inflating your bill. When you attempt to call and dispute these charges, the process is deliberately made difficult, with long wait times and uncooperative service agents. This strategy banks on the hope that customers will find it too bothersome to challenge these fees, thus quietly accepting the overcharges.
Outsourced Operations
Another glaring issue with Telus is its reliance on outsourced operations. Most of their customer service and operations are handled outside of Canada. This means that the money you spend on their services doesn’t stay within the local economy but is instead funnelled offshore. For a company that claims to be Canadian, this outsourcing betrays their lack of commitment to supporting the local workforce and economy. Moreover, dealing with offshore customer service can lead to communication barriers and less effective resolution of issues.
Sky-High Costs
Telus boasts some of the highest costs and fees for cell phone packages in the country. Despite the premium pricing, the service provided often doesn’t justify the cost. Other providers offer similar or better services at much more competitive rates. The high costs can put a significant strain on your budget, especially when there are more affordable and reliable alternatives available.
Confusing Bills
The complexity of Telus bills is another major frustration point. The small print, legal jargon, and unclear breakdown of charges make it nearly impossible to understand what you’re actually paying for. This obfuscation seems intentional, designed to hide extra fees and make customers less likely to scrutinize their bills closely. Clear and transparent billing should be a standard, not an exception.
Limited Phone Options
Telus limits your choices when it comes to phone brands and models. They push high-end, expensive phones from major brands while ignoring more affordable, yet equally capable alternatives. For instance, you can find a $200 phone on Amazon with specs comparable to the latest iPhone, but Telus doesn’t offer such budget-friendly options. This lack of diversity forces you into spending more than necessary.
Relentless Upselling
Every interaction with Telus feels like a sales pitch. Whether you’re calling for support or visiting a store, the constant upselling of unnecessary services is relentless. This pushy sales approach is designed to maximize their profits at your expense, often leading to you paying for services you neither need nor asked for.
Difficult to Leave
Telus makes it incredibly challenging to switch providers or close your account. The process is filled with bureaucratic hurdles and unhelpful customer service. They employ every tactic to delay or complicate your departure, hoping you’ll get frustrated and stay. This lack of customer-centric policies shows their true priorities—keeping you trapped rather than earning your loyalty through excellent service.
Unreliable Network Coverage
Despite their claims of superior network coverage, Telus often falls short, especially in rural areas. Many users report frequent dropped calls, poor reception, and slow data speeds. For a provider that charges a premium, the network reliability should be impeccable, but Telus consistently fails to deliver. If you live very rural, you may want to consider a 2-way radio walkie talkie with neighbours, or the new Starlink Mobile.
Deceptive Promotions
Telus frequently advertises promotions that seem attractive but come with hidden terms and conditions. What appears to be a great deal often turns out to be a trap with additional costs or restrictive clauses. This deceptive advertising undermines trust and leaves customers feeling misled, and is part of the broader marketing and advertising industry in Canada, preying on smoke and mirror tactics and fancy words that sound good, but do not mean anything.
Closing THOUGHTS
There is no upside to using Telus Mobility anymore, especially with superior alternatives like Freedom Mobile, Starlink Mobile, and VOIP calling services available. If you live in rural BC, you might even consider switching to a 2-way walkie talkie radio system with your neighbours for free monthly communication. Telus has shown time and again that they are more interested in scamming their customers than providing reliable, affordable service. It’s time to leave them behind and move to a provider that values you as a customer.
Your voice matters. Have you had a similar experience with Telus or their sub-brands like Koodo Mobile and Public Mobile? Are you considering switching to another provider? Share your stories and recommendations in the comment section below. Let’s help each other make informed decisions and find better alternatives.