The CBC reports that Shaw has filed a defamation suit against Novus over its claims about Shaw's aggressive pricing in Vancouver.
Archive for August, 2009
Why Canada Lags on Wireless
Where does Canada stand with respect to the cost of wireless services? That question recently generated a spirited debate when the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development released new figures that ranked it as the third most expensive developed country. Critics pounced on the report, calling the results ridiculous and pointing to perceived flaws in the methodology.
Given that consumers have a hard time making sense of the different plans, options, and hidden fees offered by Canada’s big three wireless providers (Rogers, Bell, and Telus), it should come as little surprise that comparisons of wireless services across dozens of countries is exceptionally difficult. Some countries charge consumers for both incoming and outgoing calls, while many others do not. Moreover, hidden charges such as Canada’s system access fee – which can add as much as 25 percent to a monthly bill – are often excluded from cost calculations.
While the debate will continue to rage, few currently hold Canada up as a model of wireless leadership. If not pricing, what should policy makers and politicians be focusing on? My weekly technology column (Toronto Star version, homepage version) argues that four main issues come to mind.
Athabasca University Issues Public Letter to Students on Copyright Consultation
With three weeks left in the copyright consultation, Athabasca University President Frits Pannekoek has issued an open public letter to all students urging them to speak out in the consultation. The letter expresses concern about a possible reintroduction of C-61-like legislation and its impact on education. It argues: any legislation […]
CRTC Refuses To Name Do-Not-Call Violators
The Toronto Star reports that the CRTC is meeting this week to discuss whether three unidentified telemarketers knowingly violated the national do-not-call list. The three telemarketers have refused to pay undisclosed fines and the CRTC has thus far refused to identify the firms.
Canada Hardly a Leader in Wireless World
Appeared in the Toronto Star on August 24, 2009 as Canada Hardly a Leader in the World of Wireless Where does Canada stand with respect to the cost of wireless services? That question recently generated a spirited debate when the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development released new figures that […]