A lack of competition in Canada’s wireless markets has left Canadian consumers out in the cold this winter.
Since 2008, wireless rates in Canada have fallen 20% per cent according to the federal government’s Speech from the Throne on Oct. 16, yet despite this, Canadians pay some of the most expensive wireless rates in the developed world.
This has led to a large public relations campaign from Canadian government, pushing its idea of their wireless policy centred on delivering more choice, lower prices and better service.
The leading mobile networks in the country, Bell, Fido, Rogers and Telus, currently occupy approximately 85 per cent of the market, meaning there is a lack of competition that would effectively drive down prices.
“Our government has already taken action to achieve greater competition,” said the statement from the Throne. “Competition lowers prices and keeps businesses from becoming complacent.”
An unlimited, call, text and data plan with Canada’s main mobile network providers costs more than double the cheapest equivalent in the UK. Canada’s cheapest sim-only wireless plans are with Wind mobile at $50 per month, yet this is still a third more expensive than in the UK.
“Other countries are a lot cheaper, I know, but what can you do? Hopefully, the government’s attempts to increase competition will work and it will become cheaper,” said consumer Will Reed.
Andrea Ross
Great information, I wish there was more. I have been with Fido (Rogers) since I received my first cell phone. When I found out that the government was intervening to increase competition and lower prices I was very excited. Who wouldn’t want a lowered cell bill! The big 3 had to terminate the 3 year contract, but I feel they just passed the cost of the phone onto consumers for an increased up-font phone bill and kept the monthly pricing the same over 2 years. This does not really lowering any costs, but just changing the structure of payments. I would like to see the government do a lot more.