Telecom by yum9me (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) https://flic.kr/p/53jSy4

Telecom by yum9me (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) https://flic.kr/p/53jSy4

Telecom

Ontario Private Member’s Bill Demands Wireless Transparency, Unlocking Phones

A new Ontario Private Member’s bill introduced by MPP David Orazietti focused on wireless services would establish new transparency requirements and mandate unlocking cellphones upon contract expiry.  The key provisions of Bill 133 include: a long list of disclosure requirements related to the costs associated with service plans, advertisements, roaming […]

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November 19, 2010 21 comments News

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

Rogers Wants Spectrum Auction Accelerated, Warns Against New Entrant Assistance

The National Post reports that Rogers wants to accelerate the pace of the next spectrum auction, but is also warning against efforts to promote new entrants.

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November 8, 2010 3 comments News

Study Finds Canada Ranks As Most Expensive for Cellphone Plans

The New America Foundation has released a new study comparing cell phone rates in 11 countries. It finds that Canada ranks as the most expensive for packages that include voices, text, and data.

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October 15, 2010 5 comments News