Dear Editor:
Why do we all tolerate such bad deals on our cellphones? Canadians pay some of the highest cellphone fees and are forced into some of the worst contracts in the industrialized world.
Our broken cellphone market limits our use of mobile Internet technologies, and with it our creativity and entrepreneurship. Providing more choice for Canadians is crucial to innovation, and the success of our economy.
Canadians suffer from poor service because three big cellphone conglomerates control nearly 94 per cent of the market.
To make matters even worse, Rogers has come up with a plan to block our access to the few affordable mobile services that do exist by obtaining scarce wireless spectrum assets. This will mean more control for Big Telecom and higher prices and less choice for you and your family.
The Rogers plan breaks Industry Canada rules because it grants the Big Telecom conglomerate access to wireless spectrum assets that were specifically set aside for new, more affordable telecom options for Canadians.
The Industry Minister, Christian Paradis, has the ability to enforce the government's rules for cellphone service but so far he has refused to do so.
Tens of thousands of Canadians have already told Paradis to stop Big Telecom from killing affordability in Canada's mobile Internet and cellphone market.
The government's decision about wireless spectrum is a rare chance to change a bad situation, and unlock the potential of our digital economy. These scarce public spectrum assets should be invested in our digital future.
I encourage each and every Canadian to learn more at demandchoice.ca, and read openmedia.ca's study about Canada's dysfunctional cellphone market at openmedia. ca/upgradecanada.
Christopher Anderson North Vancouver
