According to the Montreal Gazette, Telus Corp, in what is being called a long overdue move, is cutting the system access fee from its service plans. It will also drop the service charge for 911 calls

The $6.95 charge has long been seen as a cash grab by consumers who will benefit from the removal of the fee. Although cellular plan charges are going to increase by $5.00 come November 5th, consumers will still see a savings on their bills.

This move will mean that Bell Canada will be the only cellular carrier to retain an access fee. Telus customers have long reviled the charge as a money grab by the cellular company to pad its profits by charging the fee. Telus is the first of the three Canadian cellular carriers to completely drop the fee. Rogers ended its access fee, but added a regulatory recovery fee which was meant to recoup the lost revenue.

Telus will be offering the new plans to its existing customers who will have a choice of switching to the new plan, called the Clear Choice plan, or continuing with their current coverage and continuing to pay the access fee.

Analysts are concerned that the move will end up in cutting into the telecom companies revenuess, but the potential for an increased consumer base from customers switching from their old plans to Telus’ new offerings is seen as a positive potential.

Telus Corp, in what is being called a long overdue move, is cutting the system access fee from its service plans