Bell Aliant promotion criticized for different rates across Atlantic Canada

A new regional Bell Aliant promotion has some critics saying the company isn't applying a discount fairly across Atlantic Canada. 

The same promotion to university students for fibre-op internet costs significantly more in Nova Scotia and P.E.I. than in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Alec Falkenham, a Dalhousie University PhD student studying pathology, was shopping around for a new internet package when he saw a low price on Bell Aliant's New Brunswick site. 

Falkenham called to see if he could get the same deal in his Halifax home. Bell Aliant said no. 

There is something wrong with them charging wildly different rates between different regions for the same service.-  Josh Tabish

"I think they make it seem like they're doing students a favour, but we're getting gouged," Falkenham said. 

The price in Nova Scotia is $69.95 per month, plus a $59.95 activation fee. Students on P.E.I. get the same deal. 

But in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, it's $54.95 per month, with the activation fee waived. 

Taxes in, that's about a $275 dollar difference for one year.

"I was a bit surprised, and surprised that there was even that much of a difference from province to province," Falkenham said. 

Markets vary says Bell

In a statement to CBC, Bell Aliant said: "We are pleased to provide special promotions for students and competitive rates for customers throughout Atlantic Canada." 

"Each market is unique, and it's not uncommon for us to provide different products, services or promotions specifically tailored for different markets."

Some internet critics say they don't buy that logic. Josh Tabish is campaigns manager at OpenMedia.ca. 

"If they're the same companies and the geographical difficulties are the same, why are they charging different rates? And the answer is, they can get away with it," he said.  

Tabish says reports have shown Atlantic Canadians pay proportionally more for internet than western provinces. He says more competition between internet companies would bring those rates down.

"There's nothing wrong with Bell offering a good deal to students," Tabish said. "But there is something wrong with them charging wildly different rates between different regions for the same service." 

Falkenham says he knows many students who count every dollar. 

"It's ridiculous, it comes up to about $270 extra dollars in a year to go with the Bell Aliant package in Nova Scotia relative to either New Brunswick or Newfoundland," he said. 

"It's not like our tuition is any less which helps to offset that cost or anything like that. It's basically just designed for their profits."