OTTAWA – The NDP has kicked off a new policy platform vowing to push the Feds to lower cellular fees and boost broadband coverage “for all Canadians”.
On Friday, the party launched a new site asking Canadians to share their “nightmare stories” of high cell phone and internet bills. Reiterating the “Canadians pay some of the highest prices in the world” lament, the site says that “Canadians deserve leaders who will use every tool available to make life more affordable”.
“For decades, Liberal and Conservative governments have left cell phone and internet companies with very little regulation,” continues the site. “The result is that 3 big companies – Bell, Rogers, and Telus – serve 90% of Canadians – and those companies are free to hike rates without competition. Despite receiving $50 million in subsidies, and $700 million in contracts from our government, these companies charge Canadians 30% more on average than people in France, Germany, and the UK.”
"These are services Canadians rely on for work and school, and that they need to stay connected to family and friends – but prices are skyrocketing, and families are facing bills in the hundreds every month," adds the party site.
“Canadians pay some of the highest prices for mobile wireless and broadband subscriptions in the world," added federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. "This is wrong. We believe that not only is broadband access essential, wireless services are too. They need to be affordable for all.”
Sounds like the NDP could be in favour of retail rate regulation.
