MP Report

Recently it was widely reported in the media that Canadians
currently face some of the highest wireless cellular rates in the world.
Wireless communications is increasingly becoming part of our daily lives– it is
how so families keep in contact and also how many in the small business
community communicate with customers. In summary, wireless communication are
important to Canadians and it is unacceptable that as consumers our rates are
considerably higher than in other countries. When looking at this industry in
greater detail it is also clear that overall it is dominated by a few major
players and competition is relatively scarce, and even more so in smaller and
rural markets. It also should not be forgotten that there are still populated
areas of Canada that have no service whatsoever. Clearly when it comes to
wireless services in Canada more action needs to be taken on behalf of Canadian
consumers.


In 2008 our Government made a point of setting aside wireless
spectrum for new companies to utilize– in turn some new companies responded and
in certain markets in Canada prices have dropped by roughly 10%. As a result of
this success our Government is looking to offer more wireless spectrum with the
next auction occurring in November of this year. Over the next few months our
Government will also review existing policies with the objective of increasing
competition in the wireless sector. Ultimately the goal will be to ensure that
there are at a minimum four competitive wireless companies in each Canadian
market. Increased competition in the wireless sector in other countries has
shown that improved technology is offered sooner and at lower
prices.


In addition our Government has also announced other changes to
the wireless sector that include new regulations to increase cell tower sharing
to help reduce the need for more cell phone tower construction. Regulations have
also been introduced to both expand and extend that requirement of wireless
companies to provide roaming access to competitors. Other regulatory changes
have also been introduced as I referenced in my March report from last year that
will allow existing wireless companies with less than 10% market share to be
eligible for investment from other countries who typically have more competitive
wireless markets.


These changes will clearly take time to fully
implement however it is in my view important that Government take action to
protect Canadian consumers. Much as a local citizens recently raised an issue
with me on a problem with pre-paid credit cards that we are also taking action
on, the importance of communication, technology and affordability are concerns
that we all share. As the House of Commons is not sitting this week, I am in the
riding concentrating on constituency work and getting feedback on our work in
Ottawa. I will be back in Okanagan-Coquihalla and welcome the opportunity to
meet with citizens and to hear your concerns. I can be reached at 
dan.albas@parl.gc.ca or by phone at 250-770-4480 or toll free at
1-800-665-8711.


Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla.
His blog is DaninOttawa.com and previous MP reports are on line at
www.danalbas.com