Telus hikes rates for high-speed internet

Telus is raising rates for its high-speed internet service, citing the high cost of upgrading networks and services across Canada.

Starting July 1, the monthly rate for high-speed internet will increase by $5 a month.

The increases were postedonTelus'website June 1, 2016. In a written statement sent to CBC, Telussaid phone and TV rates aren't affected.

"This moderate increase applies only to high-speed Internet service," the statement said. "It reflects the increasing cost of providing the service,and will help Telusto continue investing billions of dollars every year to stay ahead of increasing demand for capacity."

The statement said customers will be informed of the rate increases on theirbills. Monthly internet bills range from $30 to $88 a month.

The Telusrate hike coincide withincreasesat Shaw, which is hikingmonthly fees for residential TV, internet and phone plans.

Shaw also disclosed its rate increases on its website,but did not specify the amounts. The Shaw increases will take effect August 1.

However, acustomer service representative told a CBC employee who is a Shaw customer the increases will vary from package to package, from roughly$1 a month for residential phone lines to $5 for some TV packages.