Conservatives allow wireless competition!

What a terrific news story today - the federal government has set aside space for new companies entering the wireless market. I say bravo! However, not everyone is happy. This decision has come under fire from the big three wireless companies - Rogers, Bell, and Telus. They are saying that the government is subsidizing the new companies entering the market. The Liberals, sure enough, also slammed the decision. They say that regulation is the answer - they want government running the show.

What do I think? Just ask anyone who has dealt with Rogers, Bell, or Telus. Seriously, ask them what they think of wireless prices. We are dealing with three big companies who get people to sign up to terrible long-term contracts and then provide sub-standard service. Honestly now - $7 per month for a system access fee? $20 a month for a basic cell phone plan? Your charging me $8 for basic voice mail and caller ID? Want to cancel that contract - now your charging me over $400!? This is what you get when you have three companies running the show!

What’s important about this decision is that it will also force the big three to share their networks with the new companies for five years (and another five if they can build their network nationally). Can’t come to an agreement with the big guys? No problem, an independent government arbitrator will be brought in to settle it. Same same will apply to use of the cellphone towers that are owned by the big guys.

I’ll be looking forward to see who the new companies will be, and I will look forward to the better pricing and service that will follow with increased competition!