Archive for August 31st, 2009

How Telco Lobbying Helped Quietly Kill Consumer Cell Phone Cost Calculator

Last week I discussed the well-known challenge faced by millions of Canadians as they sort through a myriad of cellphone pricing plans in a marketplace still lacking in robust competition.  The subject of this week's technology law column (Toronto Star version, homepage version) is that previously unreported, however, is Industry Canada officials identified much the same problem and worked for years to develop an online tool to address it.

After spending tens of thousands of dollars creating and testing an online calculator designed to help consumers select their ideal wireless plan, Industry Minister Tony Clement killed the project weeks before it was scheduled to launch. Government records suggest intense lobbying this spring by Canada’s wireless companies, who feared the service would promote lower cost plans, played a key role in the decision.

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August 31, 2009 20 comments Columns

Globe on the Push for an iPod Levy

The Globe featured an article over the weekend on the renewed emphasis on an iPod levy (ie. expansion of the private copying levy).  While the article suggests that it is the music industry that is seeking the levy, it is more accurate to say that it is copyright collectives and […]

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August 31, 2009 3 comments News

How Telco Lobby Helped Kill Consumer Cell Phone Cost Calculator

Appeared in the Toronto Star on August 31, 2009 as Telco Lobby Helped Block Cellphone Cost Calculator Last week I discussed the well-known challenge faced by millions of Canadians as they sort through a myriad of cellphone pricing plans in a marketplace still lacking in robust competition.  Previously unreported, however, […]

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August 31, 2009 Comments are Disabled Columns Archive