Doug’s Dynamic Drivel

I don’t usually have good things to say about the Harper government but when they do something right, particularly when it is at odds with what the Liberals were going to do, then I feel it only fair to compliment them on their decision. Besides, in this case, anything that pisses Telus off is a good thing in my books

Canada’s cellular networks are far to oligopolistic. Consumers were and are getting screwed and the cost to use the networks for digital media is far too expensive. Adding competition can only be a good thing for the end user.

The salient points?

1. New rules for an auction of radio airwaves designed to spur competition in the wireless industry that opens up 40% of the spectrum to new companies.
2. mandated roaming agreements, which will force existing carriers to share their networks with newcomers for five years, plus another five if the new entrants can build up their own networks nationally
3. Carriers must open up their tower space, at reasonable rates, for competitors. This lowers the barriers to entry into the market and saves the environment from having more towers built

What we didn’t get but need for starters:

1. mandated LNP between cell and fixed line
2. mandated open access - that is any cell phone I buy should work on all networks not be tied to one provider’s.
3. What Verizon is doing - opening its network to devices and software not offered by Verizon

Canada, Harper, wireless, cellphone, Verizon, spectrum,Telus,Bell,Rogers, telecom