Telus TV expands service to Ontario and more of Canada

Telus announced that its Telus TV experience is now available in Ontario and more regions of Quebec, expanding from Alberta and B.C.

The carrier positions Telus TV as a "smart TV experience" that blends streaming services and live channels. Customers get at least 38 "core" live channels like CTV and CBC, along with a selection of streaming services like Disney+, Netflix and Apple TV+. Telus says customers can swap out streaming services on a monthly basis.

Unsurprisingly, Telus TV requires having Telus home internet, which is part of why the service is only now rolling out in Ontario. Telus recently brought its PureFibre home internet service to the province by leveraging new fibre wholesale rules — rules that are also quite controversial.

Digging into the pricing on Telus's website, things get a bit confusing. First, customers need to pick between 'Stream & Live TV' or just 'Stream.' The latter just pushes customers to Telus's existing Stream+ bundle that packages Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime and Telus Films & Series for $23/mo (with ads) or $43/mo (no ads).

Stream+ is only available to Telus internet or mobility customers.

The 'Stream & Live TV' option, however, is for Telus TV. It also comes in two flavours, 'Streaming & Live TV' or 'More Streaming & Live TV.' Both plans include a free 24-month Amazon Prime membership when signing up for a two-year term, 38+ core live channels, and a TV box rental with a remote.

The 'Streaming' variant also includes a choice of one 'premium' streaming service. Per the fine print on Telus’ website, options include Netflix, Crave, Sportsnet World, Apple TV+, Disney+, Xbox Game Pass and a "variety of premium foreign language packages."

For the 'More Streaming' variant, customers can pick two premium streaming options and one theme pack, which is a group of related channels or streaming services, such as sports channels or cooking channels.

As for pricing, well, it depends. Telus internet customers can add the plans for $45/mo or $60/mo, respectively, on a two-year term. If you don't do a contract, the prices jump to $55/mo and $75/mo, respectively.

Those who don't have Telus internet can bundle PureFibre with Telus TV for $124/mo or $139/mo on a two-year term, or $185/mo or $205/mo with no term.

Ultimately, I'm not sure I see the value in this offering, but I also don't care about live TV at all. I haven't used cable in at least five years and have never missed having it — streaming platforms are enough for the little TV I do watch.

It just seems like a lot of money, especially compared to Telus's Stream+ bundle that gives you more streaming services for a lower monthly fee. Sure, you lose out on the live TV, but I'm unconvinced that that's a significant loss.

Telus has more information on its new Telus TV service available on its website.