The federal government has paved the way for increased cell phone competition by overturning a CTRC decision barring Globalive Wireless service from operating in Canada.
The ruling released Friday means a fourth national wireless carrier could be up and running as early as next week.
“I firmly believe that Globalive’s entry into the market to provide near national service will enhance competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers,” Industry Minister Tony Clement said Friday in Ottawa.
“Our goal has always been greater competition in the telecommunications industry, which leads to lower prices, better service and more choice for consumers and business.”
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About time that Canadians have more choices in the celluar phone field. Its ridiculous what we pay for the service offered by the big three.
The only thing worse is the lack of competition in the cable TV service which in many areas is nil.
Rogers is down 7% today.
But the Conservatives make the right decision to generate competition. We should do it to airlines too.
However, we can’t have it both ways. We should no longer be restricting foreign ownership in Rogers, Telus and BCE. If other global players are allowed to set up here after reaping the cost amortization benefits of large populations in their home country, then the shareholders of Rogers should benefit by allowing Rogers shares to be sold into the global market.
India has 450 million cell phones. How can we compete in a global economy where the costs are spread across such enormous populations if we’re going to pretend Canada is an island unto itself? Open it all up and let the chips fall where they may.
Not more competition! What if the prices go down? WHAT IF THE PRICES GO DOWN????!!!
Oh wait… that’s a good thing. I guess my protect and coddle everything Canadian-owned because deep down I don’t believe we can compete and therefore must be shielded from any and all competition from foreigners side got the better of me.
More competition! May be a good thing! Maybe we will all have a chance to afford a cell phone! It’s about time!