Canada's telecom regulator is opening the door a crack to more wireless competition, by allowing a small number of regional companies to piggyback on the networks of the established players. That allows them to offer wireless services at far cheaper rates, in general, because they don't have to bear the cost of establishing and maintaining the infrastructure. The move would apply to smaller companies with regional wireless networks, but who have thus far have not invested in creating national networks due to the prohibitive cost. On the whole, Canadians pay far more for wireless services than consumers in other countries. "The competitive model we are introducing today will result in greater choice and cheaper mobile wireless services for Canadians, who rely on their smartphones now more than ever."

Source: CBC News April 15, 2021 20:34 UTC