Amid the uproar about the CRTC’s flawed and misguided decision to allow metered-billing for broadband usage in Canada, the spotlight is finally started to shine on the fact one of the big problems in Canada is the lack of broadband competition. At best, most markets have a cozy oligopoly – great for the ISPs, bad for consumers.
It was surprising to see this quote in the Toronto Star for Ministry of Industry Minister Tony Clement amid speculation the federal government could overturn the CRTC’s decision.
“We feel very strongly that we need more competition, we need more consumer choice, we need more choices for small business owners and operators and our entrepreneurs and our creators.”
So, Mr. Clement, how are you going to get more broadband competition in Canada? How are you going to change a regulatory and competitive environment that hasn’t worked over the past decade?
Are you going to force the ISPs to play nice with companies that would like to use their networks – something that hasn’t worked despite rulings by the CRTC?
Are you going to allow foreign competition into Canada to really shake up the marketplace – something that would shake up the Telus, Bell, Shaw, Rogers cartel?
While more broadband competition is a great idea, making it happen is another thing altogether. It makes for a great sound bite and great political/election fodder when you talk about “more broadband competition” but talk is talk unless you’re prepared to walk as well.
So the $64,000 question is: Mr. Clement, what’s your plan to attract more competition?
The fact that many people are using Wind Mobile internet sticks as their main source of internet is a testament to Tony Clement’s efforts, without which would have allowed the CRTC to keep Wind Mobile out of Canada.
Also, if it weren’t for his more recent efforts the 3rd party internet providers would have gone bankrupt along with SO many present and future innovations, like FREE video conferencing, gaming, discounted (high-def) multimedia like Netflix, completely FREE home phone service (freephoneline.ca), etc.
His attitude is to be commended even if he doesn’t have a plan. His sentiment is pro-consumer and that’s awesome because it means he’s not being bribed (like CRTC).