Canadian government says that it now requires cell phone companies like Rogers, Bell and Telus to lower its cell phone bill by 25% within the next 2 years or face consequences.
Innovation, Science and Industry Minister Navdeep Bains says that unlimited talk-and-text plans that offer two gigabytes, four gigabytes and six gigabytes of data need to be reduced by 25% further from their current prices.
That means that the six-gigabyte plan that is now $60 would go down to $45. The two-gigabyte plan that is now $50 should be $37.50.
If cell phones’ bills are not reduced by 25% , Bains said, that Ottawa will introduce regulation that might force carriers to open their networks to wireless re-sellers.
Ottawa will start compiling cell phones’ pricing information and publish it every quarter for the next 2 years.
âCanada is at an exciting turning point in the future of connectivity. Wireless services are no longer a luxury. They are a critical necessityâfor working, for learning at school and for engaging in modern society. We heard Canadians when they asked for more affordable options for their wireless services, and we have delivered.
Canadians shouldnât have to choose between having a cellphone or heating their home. These new tools build on a number of initiatives we already set in place to help lower prices, improve access and ensure affordable, high-quality wireless services in every corner of our country.
Navdeep Bains
Innovation, Science and Industry MinisterBell Canada spokesperson Marc Choma said that right now is the worst time to regulate the industry as they are spending millions of dollars to roll out much needed 5G across the country and will put jobs and innovation at risk.
