Harper Government Puts Consumers First in Telecommunications Plan
March 7, 2013
Ottawa, March 7, 2013—The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, today announced new measures that the Government is taking to increase competition in the wireless sector, providing Canadians with more choices and access to the latest technology at better prices.
"Canadian families work hard for their money, and our government wants them to keep more of it," said Minister Paradis. "Through better use of existing cellphone towers and by taking action to promote at least four wireless providers in every region of the country, our government is making it possible for all Canadians to have access to world-classwireless service they can afford, no matter where they live."
Through increased competition in every region, the Government is working to provide more choices at better prices to Canadian consumers. This will be achieved by:
- reviewing the policy on spectrum licence transfer requests with the objective of promoting a competitive environment;
- expanding and extending the requirement for companies to provide roaming to competitors, thereby increasing competition;
- strengthening cell tower sharing rules to further reduce proliferation and deliver better services;
- ensuring at least four providers in every region can acquire spectrum in the upcoming 700 MHz spectrum auction, to start on November 19, 2013, as part of the Licensing Framework for this spectrum.
"Wireless services are changing our families, our work, and our economy," said Minister Paradis. "Our government's priority is to provide greater wireless coverage at better rates for consumers."
The Government also released the Commercial Mobile Spectrum Outlook study, ahead of the 700 and 2500 MHz spectrum auctions. This study outlines the Government's plan to make spectrum available to meet the consumer demand of a growing digital economy and ensure that Canadians have access to next generation services and technologies. Canadians are world leaders in Internet use, and the government is putting a plan in place to ensure companies can continue to grow and meet the needs of Canadians in all parts of the country.
The following backgrounders on each measure announced today are available:
- Reviewing the Policy on Spectrum Licence Transfer Requests
- Licensing Framework for Mobile Broadband Services (MBS)—700 MHz Band
- Expanded and Extended Frameworks for Mandatory Roaming and Antenna Tower and Site Sharing
- Commercial Mobile Spectrum Outlook
For more detailed information on each measure, please consult the following documents on Industry Canada's website:
- Consultation on Considerations Relating to Transfers, Divisions and Subordinate Licensing of Spectrum Licences
- Licensing Framework for Mobile Broadband Services (MBS)—700 MHz Band
- Revised Frameworks for Mandatory Roaming and Antenna Tower and Site Sharing
- Conditions of Licence for Mandatory Roaming and Antenna Tower and Site Sharing and to Prohibit Exclusive Site Arrangements
- Industry Canada's Arbitration Rules and Procedures
- Commercial Mobile Spectrum Outlook
For further information (media only), please contact:
Margaux Stastny
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Christian Paradis
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502