StatCan to Enhance Data Collection Methods for Tracking Wireless Plan Pricing

September 17, 2024 TruthUSA

Statistics Canada has updated its method for tracking the price of wireless plans to provide a more accurate representation of what Canadians are paying, influencing how the inflation rate is calculated.

By utilizing actual sales data from participating wireless companies, in addition to web-collected data on advertised plan costs, the agency aims to better capture the evolving cost of wireless plans and services.

According to the latest report released by Statistics Canada on Tuesday, the price for cellular services in August saw a 12.8% decrease compared to the previous year.

While these numbers offer valuable insights, the agency advises caution in interpreting the year-over-year changes in the first 12 months following this new approach.

Cellular services pricing is included in the household operations, furnishings, and equipment index, representing 1.22% of the CPI basket based on 2023 expenditures.