Archive for November 11th, 2010

Consumers Face Barriers in Taking Advantage of Wireless Competition

As Industry Minister Tony Clement prepares to provide an update on Canada’s digital economy strategy later this month, the state of competition within the Canadian wireless sector promises to play a prominent role.  Consumers have bemoaned the dominance of the big three carriers for years, leading to complaints about limited choice and high prices.

My recent technology law column (Toronto Star version, homepage version) notes that in recent years, however, the government has begun to map out a strategy to address the competitiveness concerns.  The 2008 spectrum auction opened the door to new competitors, with many launching over the past year.  Moreover, the prospect of removing foreign ownership restrictions is gaining traction and there are indications that additional spectrum will soon be made available.

While these changes have established a market with more providers, the ability for consumers to take advantage of greater competition remains a work-in-progress. 

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November 11, 2010 16 comments Columns

Consumers Face Barriers in Taking Advantage of Wireless Competition

Appeared in the Toronto Star on November 7, 2010 as Consumers Face Barriers in Taking Advantage of Wireless Competition As Industry Minister Tony Clement prepares to provide an update on Canada’s digital economy strategy later this month, the state of competition within the Canadian wireless sector promises to play a […]

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November 11, 2010 Comments are Disabled Columns Archive

Information Commissioner Calls for Reinstatement of CAIRS

The Information Commissioner of Canada has called for the reinstatement of the CAIRS database, which provided access to past information requests.  She notes rightly notes that the government could – and should – go much further than sites such as CAIRS.Info, which I launched a couple of years ago.

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November 11, 2010 1 comment News

UK Court to Review Digital Economy Act

BT and TalkTalk, two leading UK ISPs, have won judicial review of the Digital Economy Act, which contains graduated response provisions.  The court will assess whether the law conflicts with EU legislation.

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November 11, 2010 1 comment News