Government commits to ‘everyday Canadians’ to reduce roaming costs within Canada

The Industry Minister hinted at a few points that the Government would highlight in its Speech from the Throne today, specifically that Canadians have been ‘hit in the face pretty hard’ with high roaming fees.

Governor-General David Johnston delivered the Throne Speech and declared that they’ll proudly defend “Canadian Consumers” because they know “Canadian families work hard to make ends meet, and every dollar counts. While companies will look out for their bottom line, our Government is looking out for everyday Canadians.”

Johnson singled out wireless and how the monthly rates have dropped 20% since 2008 – this is when newer players such as WIND Mobile, Mobilicity and Public Mobile entered the market and launched their low-cost wireless services. However, this 20% reduction isn’t good enough and “there is much more work to do.”

To give Canadians wireless hope and more choice, the Government will, as expected, “take steps to reduce roaming costs on networks within Canada.” The specifics were not mentioned, but the CRTC recently declared that they were “made aware of concerns with respect to the rates, terms, and conditions associated with wireless roaming” and mandated all carriers submit roaming revenues dating back to to 2007. To-date, many carriers have already cut the cost of their international roaming rates.

Finally, while not wireless related, but still incredibly important. The Government is taking aim at unbundling channels and putting the power in the hands of the customer by hopefully giving them the freedom ‘to choose the combination of television channels they want.’

Interesting stuff… certainly a step in the right direction.
Read the entire Throne Speech here.