My column on the decision to kill the cellphone cost calculator generated considerable reaction: The Liberal party issued a press release criticizing the decision and arguing that it placed the wireless industry ahead of consumers. The CBC covered the story, including comments from the CWTA, PIAC, and Bell (it should […]
Post Tagged with: "industry canada"
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.
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, […]
Industry Canada Publishes National Broadband Maps
Industry Canada has published detailed national broadband maps that identify underserved areas across the country.
Industry Canada Launches Crowdsource Initiative To Map Broadband Access
Industry Canada has launched a crowdsourcing initiative that encourages Canadians to post details on their Internet access in an effort to map accessibility in Canada.
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