Greater choice of local telephone services for rural Canadians
The Government of Canada has announced that it will uphold a Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) decision to eliminate monopoly phone services in Canada. This announcement was made by the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture).
“Our Government’s policy has always been to encourage competition, foster reliance on market forces and ensure consumer choice,” said Minister Paradis. “The CRTC’s decision will give rural Canadians access to greater choice over local telephone service.”
Previously, a few rural areas were protected from competition by regulations that allowed for only one incumbent service provider. By eliminating these monopolies, the CRTC’s approach is consistent with the Government’s policy to decrease subsidies and increase consumer choice. Canadians in all regions will now be able to choose the service provider that works best for them.
“By upholding the CRTC’s decision, we are providing rural Canadians with more choice and greater access to telecommunications services, something urban Canadians have enjoyed for many years,” stated Minister Paradis. “Access to competitive services will continue to encourage economic development and spur innovation throughout Canada.”
