The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that Quebecor's Freedom Mobile is continuing to put downward pressure on cellphone plan pricing. The Globe's Irene Galea quotes Scotiabank analyst Maher Yaghi saying that current valuations indicate this could continue for another few years. However, some carriers are lifting prices regardless. In a note to investors, CIBC analyst Stephanie Price said the promotional activity between carriers shows signs of slowing, with Rogers Communications raising prices for its plans last week, making it the first of the Big Three to do so, Ms. Price noted. Another major question: the degree to which the telcos are paying down debt. Together, Rogers, BCE and Telus owe more than $100-billion. U.S. tariffs have added another complicating factor this year. Most analysts consider the telecom industry to be fairly insulated from direct tariff impacts. Telecom infrastructure vendors are expected to absorb some of the tariff costs, at least for now, Ms. Price said. The effect of tariffs might still appear in terms of higher prices for devices, such as mobile phones and internet routers, which are usually passed on to consumers. Companies such as Apple are highly exposed to tariffs.