TMCnet News
Government directs CRTC to place consumer interests and innovation at the forefront of telecom decisionsDirective aims to encourage all forms of competition and investment to bring down costs of Internet and cellphone bills OTTAWA, June 18, 2019 /CNW/ - The prices Canadians pay for telecommunications services continue to be high when compared to other nations, and affordability is an ongoing concern for many Canadian families. This is why the Government of Canada is working to drive down prices by increasing competition and improve services by encouraging greater investments and innovation in telecommunications. Today, the Government of Canada tabled the final version of a policy direction that requires the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to consider competition, affordability, consumer interests and innovation in all of its telecommunications decisions and demonstrate to Canadians that it has done so. Competition is the best way to bring down the prices of telecommunications services. Domestically, wireless data plans in regions with strong competition are up to 32% cheaper than the national average. The Government of Canada will continue to monitor market dynamics and promote greater competition in the telecom sector to promote access to quality services at reasonable prices. Quote "As long as Canadians pay too steep a price for their cellphone and Internet bills, our government will take extraordinary means to continue driving down the prices of telecommunications services. We are also fostering a climate of investment and innovation for Canada's telecom service providers to improve the quality of services delivered to Canadians. Today, we are giving clear direction to the CRTC that consumers and innovation must be at the forefront of all future telecom decisions." Quick facts
Associated links
Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA
SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada |