By Canada’s Innovation, Science and Economic Development

More than ever, Canadians rely on telecommunications services for work, school, finance, and medical care, making access to high-quality, affordable services essential.That’s why the government Canada We have implemented steps to make wireless services more affordable, such as making providers accountable for pricing. Efforts to reduce the cost of some of the most popular wireless plans by 25% over two years are an important part of these efforts.

Today, the prestigious Francois-Philippe de Champaign, Minister of Innovation Science and Industry announced the release of the latest quarterly wireless pricing data for 2GB to 6GB data plans. According to the latest data, the prices of most of these plans are 9% to 25% lower than the benchmark prices collected in early 2020.

Intensifying competition contributes to better prices for consumers. Therefore, the government is taking the following steps to intensify competition in the market.

Over the next two years, three major wireless providers and their flanker brands, which account for 90% of the domestic market, are expected to offer plans ranging from 2GB to 6GB, which is 25% cheaper than established benchmarks. If they do not meet this goal, the government will look to other regulatory tools to help further intensify competition in the market and lower prices.

“Improving affordability, competition and innovation for wireless services is our government’s priority. Although I am encouraged to lower the price of most of the plans overall. Canada, There is still progress needed to reach our goals. We will continue to work with service providers to ensure that all Canadians have access to more affordable wireless services. “

– Prestigious Francois-Philippe de Champaign, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Government of Canada

Simple facts

In 2019, Canadians used an average of 2.9 GB of data per month.

Benchmark prices, or prices with a 25% discount, will be postpaid on the company’s website in early 2020 to advertise Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), unlimited talk and text 4G / LTE plans at 2GB. Is based. Range of ~ 6GB.

Unlike quarterly benchmark price tracking, the 2020 price comparison survey shows a similar trend, with prices in the low to medium level service range down 19% to 28% compared to 2019. increase.

Benchmark price tracking is part of a set of federal initiatives to improve the quality, coverage, and price of telecommunications services. This includes the Universal Broadband Fund. $ 2.75 billion An investment designed to help all Canadians connect to the high speed internet.Until $ 50 million of $ 2.75 billion The total can be used primarily to support mobile connectivity projects that benefit indigenous peoples.