Fair Use Policy is effective for Bell MTS Wireless and Bell MTS Business services.
Flat rate or unlimited use plans and services offered are subject to customer using the service under an ordinary range of use and in a way that does not consume excessive network capacity and/or adversely affect Bell MTS’s ability to provide services to other users. By way of example and not limitation, the following are considered by Bell MTS to be outside of an ordinary range of use thereby consuming excessive network capacity:
- Prolonged continuous use of high bandwidth applications such as multi-media streaming, voice over Internet protocol or LBS (location based services) or any other similar applications
- Operation (i.e. hosting) of servers for services such as email, web, news, chat or other similar services
- Resale, transfer or distribution of the unlimited use service for commercial purposes
- Sharing the unlimited use service with an unauthorized party
- Engaging in or allowing any alteration, copying, reproduction of or tampering with electronic serial numbers or other identification, signaling or transmission functions or components of the device used with the service
Bell MTS may immediately suspend, restrict, alter or terminate all or part of any service provided to a customer or take other necessary protective measures, if it determines that a customer is contravening this policy, as determined by Bell MTS, acting reasonably.
Why does Bell MTS have a Fair Use Policy?
Bell MTS has a Fair Use Policy to manage its network so that you receive the best service experience possible.
What is Network Management
Data usage is growing in Canada and in an effort to ensure that you receive a consistent user experience; we manage the traffic on our wireless networks. This means that we use advanced network management technology and security functions such as speed throttling.
If you are using wireless data, Bell MTS may slow or “control” your speeds when your data usage exceeds a specific range of use or threshold.
If your total usage exceeds the 15GB threshold in a 30-day period, your data speeds will be slowed to 512 kilobits per second for downloads and uploads, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the remainder of the 30-day period.
This should not affect any applications that require less than 512 kilobits of download bandwidth or 512 kilobits of upload bandwidth (such as browsing and email), but could affect the performance of applications that normally require greater bandwidth.
How will I be notified that my usage is approaching the threshold?
You will be notified by text alerts when you reach 80% and again when you reach 100% of the Fair Use Policy threshold. The second notification (once you reach the threshold) tells you that you will likely notice reduced speeds.
When you reach 80% of total usage you will receive the following text message:
Bell MTS Notice – your data usage is nearing the 15GB threshold. After 15GB/mo. You will notice slower speeds. Info @ bellmts.ca/fairuse
When you reach 100% of total usage you will receive the following text message:
Bell MTS Alert – You’ve reached the 15GB threshold of data usage this month, you will now notice reduced speeds. Info @ bellmts.ca/fairuse
Why does Bell MTS manage traffic on its network?
We believe it is important to offer all customers on our network the best service experience possible. By managing the data on our network we ensure all customers have access to the most consistent, reliable experience.
Who is affected by Network Management?
Our Fair Use Policy and network management practices apply to all wireless data customers. If you reach these thresholds in a 30-day period, you will experience controlled speeds.
| Network | Threshold |
|---|---|
| HSPA | 15GB |
| LTE | 15GB |
How will I be affected by these controlled speeds?
Controlled speeds should not affect low bandwidth applications like sending emails, streaming music, browsing and instant messaging. The reduced speeds may affect the performance and time required for applications that need more bandwidth such as streaming video services.
What type of traffic is subject to management?
All data is subject to the Fair Use Policy and Bell MTS’ network management practices. We do not look at the type of data you use.
If you manage traffic on your network, does this mean that certain Bell MTS wireless data plans are not unlimited?
With our unlimited/flat rate data plans, no matter how much data you use in Manitoba, you will never incur any overage charges. We want you to have the peace of mind that no matter how much data you use; it is all included in your plan price. To ensure a consistent network experience for all, however, we have a Fair Use Policy in place to help us minimize the impact that a small number of users with uncharacteristically high usage have on the experience of our overall customer base.
Once you reach the threshold network usage, you may experience a slowdown in your speed (commonly referred to as throttling).
Can you give me a sense of how much data 15 GB is? Is that a lot?
It is a huge amount of data. Very few customers ever reach this amount. You can estimate how much activity you are using with our Wireless Data Usage Calculator.
What are some of the Activities that can trigger significant data usage?
- Streaming/downloading video or audio from the Internet.
- Sharing your device’s mobile data connection with a laptop (tethering) or with other smartphones (creating a personal hotspot).
- Using navigation apps.
- Uploading or sharing photos and videos through social media, email or messaging apps.
- Browsing the Internet for prolonged periods.
- Using apps that automatically update or require the use of location services.
What are some ways to manage data usage?
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network when available.
- Update applications over Wi-Fi or with your computer and synchronize the updates to your smartphone through a USB cable or Bluetooth.
- Close and sign out of apps whenever possible.
- Use an application manager on your smartphone that could help identify high usage apps.
Does Bell MTS offer any data usage management tools?
You can install the Bell MTS MyAccount mobile app, and monitor data usage. If you have installed the Bell MTS MyAccount mobile app, once you have reached the warning threshold, the app will provide a countdown of data usage until the threshold has been exceeded.
Example #1: Represents how close you are to the usage threshold. Fair Use Policy
Visit the Bell MTS MyAccount App for more information on the app.
How much data do I use?
You can use our Wireless Data Usage Calculator to estimate the amount of data you use.
Where are data charges displayed on my bill?
Your monthly data usage is displayed on your bill under “Additional Unit Charges“.
How long does Bell MTS control my data speeds for?
If you exceed the threshold of 15GB, speeds will be controlled on the day of the month the threshold is exceeded and will continue for the rest of the billing cycle.
For example, if your billing cycle starts on the 8th of each month and you exceed your threshold on the 25th, you will be subject to controlled speeds from the 25th through to the last day of your billing cycle, in this case, the 7th of the following month. The data counter will reset at midnight that night.
Your billing cycle can be determined in the Wireless Charges section of your bill. The range of dates for charges is your billing cycle.
| Unit Monthly Charges | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Amount | |
| Bell MTS Plan | 14-Nov 08-14 Dec 07 | $00.00 |
How does the Bell MTS Fair Use Policy work while I am roaming?
Bell MTS services and rate plans are designed for use predominantly in Manitoba. If your usage over a prolonged period of time is not predominantly in Manitoba, we may restrict your ability to receive service on those other networks as part of the administration of our Fair Use Policy.
Does Bell MTS have data use limits?
Bell MTS does not have data use limits on its personal High Speed Internet plans, they are unlimited.
Bell MTS reserves the right to restrict data usage in the event that a customers’ data usage is so excessive that it impacts the network capacity and our ability to provide service to other customers.
Typical browsing or average household online streaming behaviours are not considered excessive use.
What are Internet data use limits?
Data use limits are restrictions placed on the amount of data you can stream or download from the Internet each month. Other Internet providers may have these data use limits; however, Bell MTS has unlimited data usage on all personal High Speed Internet plans.
Does Bell MTS monitor the type of Internet data that customers are using?
No, Bell MTS does not monitor the type of Internet data its customers are using. However, all data is subject to the Internet Usage Policy.
Does Bell MTS manage traffic on its High Speed Internet network?
Bell MTS does on occasion manage network traffic in order to offer all customers on our network the best service experience possible. By managing the data on our network, we can ensure that all customers have access to a consistent, reliable experience.
How does Bell MTS's network management practices affect customers?
Bell MTS may control the speeds of customers’ High Speed Internet in a specific geographic area in order to ensure that there is enough bandwidth available to all customers. When a customer is experiencing controlled speeds, the reduced speeds should not affect low bandwidth applications like sending emails, website browsing, and instant messaging applications. Reduced speeds will likely affect the performance and length of time required for applications that can require greater bandwidth like peer-to-peer file sharing.
What is included/not included in Bell MTS' Unlimited Long Distance plans?
- Included: Direct-dialed residential voice calls in Canada and to the U.S.
- Not Included: Chat or party lines, long distance calls made using 3-Way Calling, or multi-party conference calls may be restricted.
Are all types of calling included in unlimited long distance calling?
No. Unlimited long distance calling includes direct-dialed voice calls only. It does not include Calling Card, Internet, or data long distance minutes.
What are "direct-dialed" long distance calls?
Direct-dialed long distance calls are long distance calls you make without operator assistance.
Unlimited long distance includes calling to which countries?
Unlimited long distance includes calls in Canada and to the U.S. For rates to other International countries, please visit Long Distance International Rates.
When can I make calls that are considered unlimited?
Please refer to your plan for specific details about times for eligible unlimited long distance calling.
What could be considered excessive long distance calling?
Calls that are not for residential purposes could be considered excessive. Chat or party lines, long distance calls made using 3-Way Calling or multi-party conference calls may be considered excessive.
What could happen if I use the unlimited long distance calling excessively?
Bell MTS may immediately suspend, restrict, alter, or terminate all or part of any service provided to a customer or take other necessary protective measures, if it determines that a customer is using long distance excessively.