What is network management?
Data usage is growing in Canada and in an effort to ensure that our customers 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 and tethering block.
If you are using wireless data on one of TELUS’ No Overage plans or the TELUS equivalent of an MTS unlimited/flat rate plan, TELUS may reduce or “control” your speeds when your data usage exceeds a specific range of use or threshold.
When total usage exceeds the threshold included in your rate plan during your bill cycle, your data speeds will be reduced to 512 Kilobits per second (Kbps) for downloads and uploads, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the remainder of your bill cycle and will reset back to full speed on the first day of your next bill cycle.
This should not affect any applications that require less than 512Kbps of download bandwidth or 512Kbps of upload bandwidth (such as browsing and email), but could affect the performance of applications that normally require greater bandwidth. It's important to note that TELUS VoLTE or Circuit-Switch based voice services (including 911) will not be impacted.
Why does TELUS manage traffic on its network?
We believe it is important to offer all of our customers on our network the best service experience possible. This allows us to minimize the impact on the experience of our overall customer base of a small number of users with uncharacteristically high usage.
Who is affected by network management?
Our Fair Use Policy applies to customers who are on our No Overage data plans and the TELUS equivalent of an MTS unlimited/flat rate plans. Customers on these plans who reach their threshold during their bill cycle will experience controlled speeds.
Is the TELUS Fair Use Policy national?
Yes, the TELUS Fair Use Policy applies to all provinces where TELUS offers No Overage data plans, including Manitoba where there are customers acquired from MTS who were previously on an unlimited/ flat rate data plan.
How will customers 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.
If you manage traffic on your network, does this mean that all TELUS wireless data plans are impacted?
Only the No Overage wireless data plans, including the TELUS equivalent plans for customers who were previously on an unlimited/flat rate data plan with MTS will experience a managed network.
Can I still share my device’s mobile data connection with a laptop (tethering) or with other smartphones (for instance, by creating a personal hotspot)?
Some of our No Overage plans do not allow you to share your device’s mobile data connection with a laptop or for a personal hotspot and others do. Your tethering threshold can be found in your included services section of your service agreement.
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 (for instance, by creating a personal hotspot)
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 based services
What are some ways to manage data usage?
Download the My TELUS app to manage your data
Connect to a Wi-Fi network when available
Update applications over Wi-Fi
Close and sign out of apps whenever possible
How long does TELUS control my data speeds?
When you exceed the data threshold included in your plan, your speed 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 day of each month and you exceed your threshold on the 25th day, you will be subject to controlled speeds from the 25th through to the last day of your billing cycle, in this case, the 7th day of the following month. The data counter will reset at midnight that night.
I was on an unlimited data plan with MTS, will I still be throttled at the same speeds and thresholds with TELUS?
Yes, your throttling experience will remain the same as when you were an MTS customer. Customers who reach 15GB of network usage, will experience a reduction in their speeds (a.k.a. throttling)., at 512Kbps which is the same throttled data speeds as MTS applied.
To track your data usage, you can use self-serve in the My TELUS app or online at
telus.com/mytelus
.
