Government responds to the introduction of new measures to reduce wireless prices

March 22, 2018 – Ottawa

In 2017, the Government of Canada took concrete action to reduce wireless prices and support more competition in the telecommunications market. The Government directed the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to reconsider a decision that effectively prevented Canadians from being able to choose an innovative low-cost wireless option.

Today, the CRTC has responded with a decision that will make new low-cost data-only wireless plans available to Canadians across the country.

In an additional measure, the CRTC has reduced final wholesale roaming rates by 44% to 99%.

Furthermore, the CRTC announced that it will launch a process which will include consideration on how mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) can be leveraged to further contribute to wireless affordability and competition.

The Government of Canada will review the CRTC’s decision to determine its next steps. The Government supports measures that promote affordability and competition in the wireless market.

The Government of Canada remains focused on the three elements of telecommunications service that matter most to middle-class families: quality, coverage and price.