Hello John and thank you for your email,
I have received many emails on this topic, and I am proud to share the same information with you as I have with others.
I agree that quality internet and cell phone service has become increasingly essential and we need to ensure that Canadians can access quality and affordable services no matter where they live. Achieving this has been a key priority for the federal government over all, but also has been a focus for me in Kanata-Carleton.
It is hard to reconcile that fact that in many areas of our riding (especially in close proximity to Canadas biggest technology park), it is difficult to get quality internet access at a reasonable cost. That is why I support our government’s actions in the last several years to make telecommunications services more affordable for Canadians.
During our last mandate, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development gave a clear policy directive to the CRTC to promote competition, affordability, and consumer interests. Our government understands very well that competition plays a significant role in reducing the cost of services. This is why in March 2018, we implemented measures through a wireless spectrum auction to increase competition in the Canadian telco sector.
Our support for regional competition is producing results. In regions with strong competition, wireless data plans are up to 32% cheaper than the national average.
In addition to supporting competition in the marketplace, we are implementing a number of programs to make sure all Canadians have access to reliable and affordable internet. Through our Connect to Innovate program, approximately 180 projects have been approved, which will lead to improved connectivity in more than 900 communities across the country. We also introduced the Connecting Families program, which was negotiated with Internet Service Providers provide low-cost internet service to low-income families for just $10 per month. This program has helped thousands of Canadian families afford internet access at home.
In his new mandate letter, Minister Bains has been instructed to:
“Use all available instruments, including the advancement of the 2019 Telecom Policy Directive, to reduce the average cost of cellular phone bills in Canada by 25 per cent. You will work with telecom companies and expand mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) in the market. If within two years this price target is not achieved, you can expand MVNO qualifying rules and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission mandate on affordable pricing.”
But I know much more needs to be done. Here in Kanata-Carleton with the established providers dragging their feet, I continue to work with alternative providers, other stakeholders, and the Minster of Innovation Science and Industry to find ways to reduce costs and increase quality of telecommunications services for constituents. Since October, I have met with several local internet providers to make progress on this issue. I have also scheduled a meeting with the Minister to voice my concerns. I have also collaborated with city councillors and Invest Ottawa all in an attempt to address barriers that smaller operators face so that we can ensure better and more affordable telecommunications services to the people of Kanata-Carleton.
I hope this information is of use. I firmly support affordable internet and phone services, and I will continue to work to achieve this.
Kind regards,
Karen
