Competition Bureau supports increased choice in the Canadian wireless industry
News release
June 14, 2018 – OTTAWA, ON – Competition Bureau
In a submission made yesterday, the Competition Bureau recommended that the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) make lower-cost data-only plans broadly available to Canadian consumers. This submission responds to the CRTC’s consultation on lower-cost data-only plans for mobile wireless services. The Bureau believes that requiring national wireless service providers to offer lower-cost data-only plans could increase consumer choice and shake up industry norms by unbundling voice and data services.
However, the Bureau cautions that imposing these plans cannot replace true competition in the wireless industry. This measure should be a temporary course of action until the CRTC can establish a longer-term solution to address competition or public policy problems that may exist in this industry. To this end, the Bureau recommends that the CRTC’s upcoming review of the Canadian wireless industry be focused on competitiveness to identify an appropriate longer-term course of action.
Quick facts
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The CRTC launched its public consultation in March 2018 in response to the Government of Canada’s concerns regarding mobile phone service affordability. The CRTC is considering whether lower-cost data-only plans could fill a gap that currently exists in the marketplace.
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Lower-cost data-only plans have arisen in some foreign markets without government intervention.
Related products
- Submission by the Interim Commissioner of Competition before the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission—Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2018-98—Lower-Cost Data-Only Plans for Mobile Wireless Devices
- CRTC continues to foster investment, innovation and affordable choice in the wireless market
Associated links
- Recent advocacy work
- June 29, 2016: Competition Bureau calls for stronger protection of competition for internet service pricing
- October 20, 2014: Submission by the Commissioner of Competition Before the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission — Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2014 76 — Review of wholesale mobile wireless services
- January 29, 2014: Submission by the Commissioner of Competition Before the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission — Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2013 685 — Wholesale mobile wireless roaming in Canada — Unjust discrimination/undue preference
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