Usage Based Billing (UBB)

As some of you know, the CRTC recently rendered a decision forcing all independent DSL and Cable Internet providers to substantially match incumbent (like Bell) usage rate caps. This will influence all of our internet service packages eventually, but DSL residential customers in Ontario and Quebec first, as of May 1st. Along with you; we are not pleased with this and along with our partners are fighting back.

From May 1st on, if the ruling does go threw without any changes, users of the up to 5 Mbps packages in Ontario can expect a usage cap of 25GB (60GB in Quebec), substantially down from the 200GB Lara Internet was able to offer before the CRTC's decision to impose usage based billing. Users of the DSL Basic can expect usage cap of 2GB (1GB in Quebec).

Content and data like Netflix, YouTube, IPTV, large file downloads or other streaming services can consume large amounts of bandwidth and place your cap limits in jeopardy very quickly. We encourage you to monitor your usage carefully, as the CRTC has imposed a very high overage rate, above your new monthly limit, of $2.00 per gigabyte ($2.50 per gigabyte in Québec) for up to 5MB packages, And of $2.50 per gigabyte for the DSL Basic package. We are currently working on a tool to help you better manage your usage.

The CRTC did however provide an option for insurance usage blocks which we have implemented into different plans. The following are the optional packages you will have unless the ruling gets changed:

FULL DSL up to 5MB Service:
BRONZE 25GB	$36.95/month ($2.00/GB or $2.50/GB in Quebec for additional bandwidth)
SILVER 65GB	$40.95/month ($2.00/GB or $2.50/GB in Quebec for additional bandwidth)
GOLD 105GB	$45.95/month ($2.00/GB or $2.50/GB in Quebec for additional bandwidth)
PLATINUM 145GB	$50.95/month ($2.00/GB or $2.50/GB in Quebec for additional bandwidth)

By default all packages will be considered Bronze unless you contact us with the package of your choice.

BASIC DSL Service:
BRONZE 2GB (1GB in Quebec)	$26.95/month ($2.50/GB for additional bandwidth)
SILVER 42GB (41GB in Quebec)	$31.95/month ($2.50/GB for additional bandwidth)
GOLD 82GB (81GB in Quebec)	$36.95/month ($2.50/GB for additional bandwidth)

By default all packages will be considered Bronze unless you contact us with the package of your choice.

We will keep you informed as to what any changes in the future.

Unhappy With the UBB Decision? So Are We! Join Us!

The CRTC decision to impose UBB on the whole market is a big win for Bell and other major carriers, but a big hit to everyone else. To view the CRTC decision, go to:

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2011/2011-44.htm

Like our customers, and Canadian internet users everywhere, we are not happy with this new development. We will continue our efforts to fight the imposition of exorbitant bandwidth charges on usage with virtually no incremental cost to Bell and other UBB carriers, and we will develop strategies to restore the usage levels and costs our customers have come to expect. But we need your support to succeed, and get back to the cost structure we have a right to expect.

If, like us, you are disappointed with the CRTC's decision, make your views known on UBB and what it means to you (and Canada frankly) by going to www.stopthemeter.ca, where you will find a petition against UBB. Sign it, get involved, and together we will make a difference! Let everyone you know understand that Canada is about to become the most expensive internet market in the industrialized world!

We will keep you informed of our efforts, and look to you for your help.

If you would like to get more involved, go to these links to make your thoughts known and join this battle:

1. http://www.stopthemeter.ca - Signing the petition will now automatically send our
Minister of Industry, Tony Clement (the person politically responsible for the CRTC) an email.

2. Join the twitter campaign at http://act.ly/2kw

3. Join the Facebook campaign
http://www.facebook.com/notes/openmediaca/stop-the-meter-on-your-internet-use/455248704798

We thank you for your continued patronage as we work hard for your Internet enjoyment and future!

Sincerely,

Lara Internet Team

To contact us:
By Telephone: 905-631-6576
By Fax: 905-631-7404
By Email: billing@lara.on.ca

* Taxes extra. Offer and rates are subject to change. Offer only available in those locations that are accessible by suitable facilities and technologies, and that are served by underlying required services provided by other providers of telecommunications services, where applicable. Some terms and conditions apply. See http://www.lara.on.ca/Terms.html