Government responds to the introduction of new measures to reduce wireless prices

OTTAWA, March 22, 2018 /CNW/ - In 2017, the Government of Canada took concrete action to reduce wireless prices and support more competition in the telecommunications market. The Government directed the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to reconsider a decision that effectively prevented Canadians from being able to choose an innovative low-cost wireless option.

Today, the CRTC has responded with a decision that will make new low-cost data-only wireless plans available to Canadians across the country.

In an additional measure, the CRTC has reduced final wholesale roaming rates by 44% to 99%.

Furthermore, the CRTC announced that it will launch a process which will include consideration on how mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) can be leveraged to further contribute to wireless affordability and competition.

The Government of Canada will review the CRTC's decision to determine its next steps. The Government supports measures that promote affordability and competition in the wireless market.

The Government of Canada remains focused on the three elements of telecommunications service that matter most to middle-class families: quality, coverage and price.

Quotes

"Canadians said they wanted more affordable telecommunication services and our government took action. Today's decision by the CRTC is a step in the right direction, but more must be done: true affordability can only come from true competition."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Quick facts

• A 2017 study commissioned by ISED revealed that regions with strong competition are the least expensive mobile wireless markets in Canada.
• In 2017, low-use mobile wireless plans were cheaper in Canada than in the U.S. for the first time since 2013.

Related products

• Minister Bains addresses the Canadian Telecom Summit.
• ISED releases the 2017 Price Comparison Study of Telecommunications Services in Canada and Select Foreign Jurisdictions.

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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada