Wireless Archives - Public Interest Advocacy Centre

Save the Date – PIAC’s Annual Dinner 2024!

j.lawford — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 15:55:49 +0000

PIAC’s Annual Dinner will be held Thursday, 28 November 2024, at the Rossy Pavilion, National Arts Centre – save the date!

We are excited to announce our Guest Speaker is Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

Please watch this space in the coming days for information on ordering tickets and a reveal of a special musical guest.

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New PIAC “We Fight for That” podcast: Post-Rogers-Shaw: A New Hope?

j.lawford — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 16:59:41 +0000

EPISODE 28

Post-Rogers-Shaw: A New Hope?

Well, we are back after a long hiatus (sorry, stuff going on in Canadian communications!) to survey the competitive landscape after the Rogers-Shaw deal closed in Spring of 2023 – two years and 15 days after being announced.

We speak with George Burger, Chief Operating Officer, about the Canadian home Internet market post-Rogers-Shaw; why VMedia and Videotron (Quebecor) are a strong independent disrupter outside Québec that will only help consumers, and why the wireless market may just reward us with a strong 4th player (yes, please!).

Not quite sure if it’s going to come true, but hopium at this stage is good.

We end with a dunk on those people who thought Bill C-11 meant more money for Canadian creators. Turns out traditional broadcasters are not as keen on funding it when they think someone else will pay.

Click here for the podcast or find it on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, etc etc

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Rogers-Shaw Merger Approval Signals Decade of Competitive Winter for Consumers

j.lawford — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 13:57:15 +0000

OTTAWA, December 30, 2022 – The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) today denounced the unseemly rush to judgment of the Competition Tribunal to approve the acquisition of Shaw Communications Inc. by Rogers Communications Inc., including selling Freedom Mobile to Videotron Ltd., part of Québecor Media Inc.

“Consumers now face a decade of competitive winter, with higher cellphone, home Internet, cable, satellite and Internet TV and home phone prices,” said John Lawford, Executive Director and General Counsel of PIAC. “This Decision represents a failure of every promise of the federal government to lower prices, every promise of the competition regulator to block the merger and improve competition in telecommunications and the failure of the quasi-judicial overseer, the Competition Bureau to see the issue from a consumer viewpoint as well.”

PIAC together with the National Pensioners Federation (NPF) have consistently argued against the merger due to concerns with excessive concentration and scale in several key communications consumer markets, both regional and national.

PIAC also has argued for improvements to the Competition Act that would assist the regulator in opposing major mergers affecting consumer welfare, including a repeal of the “efficiencies defence”, among other improvements.

PIAC and NPF will now study the full Decision when available and consider responses and options on behalf of consumers and seniors.

For more information, please contact:

John Lawford
Executive Director and General Counsel
Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)
(613) 562-4002 ext. 125
jlawford@piac.ca
https://www.piac.ca

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Competition Bureau protects consumers by moving to block Rogers-Shaw Merger

j.lawford — Tue, 10 May 2022 00:24:15 +0000

OTTAWA – 9 May 2022 – The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) today welcomed the Competition Bureau’s application to the Competition Tribunal, that seeks to block Rogers’ Communications Inc.’s (Rogers) proposed acquisition of Shaw Communications Inc. (Shaw). By requesting the Competition Tribunal prevent the merger from proceeding and also requesting an injunction to stop the parties from closing the deal, the Competition Bureau has taken concrete legal steps under the Competition Act to protect Canadian consumers.

“The Competition Bureau is finally using the legal tools it has to challenge a merger that will make wireless, Internet and TV prices for many Shaw customers rise and risks a less competitive market for all Canadians,” said John Lawford, PIAC’s Executive Director and General Counsel. “We believe this shows the regulator now understands that consumer affordability of essential services is a major requirement for mergers,” he added.

PIAC argued to the Competition Bureau that this merger is bad for consumers, threatens affordability and access to high-quality wireless services, and reduces consumer choice. Canada has some of the highest wireless prices in the world. Removal of the fourth wireless competitor in major markets signals threatens even higher wireless prices in Canada and more limited options for consumers.

PIAC has opposed many telecommunications mergers over the years in Canada – all have which have been permitted to proceed – some with conditions. As a result of the recent CRTC decision to approve Rogers’ acquisition of Shaw’s broadcasting assets PIAC, in participation with the National Pensioners Federation (NPF), have filed a Petition to the federal cabinet to set aside the CRTC ruling.

PIAC has prepared a backgrounder on its position and advocacy regarding the proposed merger:

PIAC Backgrounder: Rogers’ Acquisition of Shaw

Consumer Groups welcome “MVNO” Wireless Competition in Canada

piac_admin — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 20:12:18 +0000

OTTAWA, 15 April 2021 – Consumers will benefit from “MVNO” wireless competition permitted today by Canada’s telecommunications regulator, said the “Coalition for Cheaper Wireless Service” (CCWS) a group of consumer, low-income and seniors groups whose members are the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC); ACORN Canada (ACORN); National Pensioners Federation (NPF); and CARP (formerly Canadian Association of Retired Persons).
John Lawford, PIAC Executive Director and General Counsel, welcomed the decision, noting: “Consumers made the case that they have too few choices and too high prices for cellphone service in Canada. The CRTC has finally cleared a path for MVNOs and we trust they will find Canadians are very willing to try a new wireless option.”
Certain “eligible regional” mobile virtual network operators or “MVNOs” will be permitted to resell the wireless services of major, established wireless companies Bell Mobility, TELUS Mobility and Rogers, with some conditions, based on wholesale access to these established companies – which is what the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) finally required today.
Lawford noted that consumers will have to wait a little longer for the new competition while MVNOs and the “big 3” negotiate rates and the CRTC arbitrates dispute.
Finally, Bell, TELUS and Rogers will be required “offer and promote low-cost plans and occasional-use plans in an effort to benefit Canadians, including those who are elderly or low-income earners, as well as those who use their mobile devices sparingly.” The CCWS specifically asked for cellphone plans for low-income Canadians and seniors.
“We hope to see these affordable options soon,” added Lawford. “Seniors and lower-income Canadians need wireless connections now more than ever.”
For more information, please contact:
John Lawford
Executive Director and General Counsel
Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)
613-562-4002 ext. 125 (New)
(613) 447-8125 (cell)
jlawford@piac.ca
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Canadian Consumers Demand Internet, Wireless COVID-19 Relief

piac_admin — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 11:51:44 +0000

OTTAWA, April 7, 2020 – The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC), ACORN Canada (ACORN) and the National Pensioners Federation (NPF) together called today for the Federal government, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and Canada’s Internet service providers (ISPs) and Wireless Service Providers (WSPs) to do more for Canadians. Their list of demands includes calls for unlimited internet access and low-income Internet and wireless plans to help all Canadians stay connected while isolating at home.
“Canadian government has told Canadians to stay at home which we are doing,” said John Lawford, Executive Director and General Counsel of PIAC. “But this means that Canadians must have affordable Internet and wireless service to survive and stay informed. We demand that the government, the CRTC and ISPs and WSPs do more for all Canadians,” he added.
While most ISPs and some WSPs have offered time-limited and service-specific measures to assist consumers with Internet and wireless connections, these are inconsistent between companies and there is a growing risk of Canadians being unable to afford these now essential lifelines to the outside world.
Marva Burnett, National President of ACORN, noted the extreme vulnerability of low-income Canadians: “More than anyone, low-income Canadians’ lives will be endangered if they cannot remain connected to the Internet, whether for lifesaving health information, application for government assistance, for news or for their children’s education.”
Trish McAuliffe, President, NPF stated seniors’ concerns: “Asking seniors to self-isolate and give up their support system makes them extremely dependent on cellphones and the Internet.” Noting the piecemeal programs offered by the ISPs and WSPs so far, she noted: “Some seniors need more time to adjust to their instant shift to life online and on a mobile phone. We must assure them that using this lifeline will not cause them financial hardship, that there are no hidden costs.”
“Internet and cellphone access is, in the shadow of the virus, now literally a matter of life and death. Our government and the CRTC cannot leave the industry to decide what is done,” added Lawford. “Canadians need to be connected to each other without any financial or other worries.”
PIAC-ACORN-NPF’s demands are found here.
For more information, please contact:
Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)
John Lawford
Executive Director and General Counsel
Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)
(613) 447-8125
jlawford@piac.ca
https://www.piac.ca

ACORN Canada
Marva Burnett
National President
ACORN Canada (ACORN)
416-996-6401
canadaacorn@acorncanada.org
www.acorncanada.org

National Pensioners Federation

Trish McAuliffe
President
National Pensioners Federation
905-706-5806
Trish.mcauliffe@npfmail.ca
https://nationalpensionersfederation.ca

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PIAC Welcomes COVID-19 Responses by Internet Service Providers, Wireless – UPDATED 14 April 2020

piac_admin — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 11:26:20 +0000

OTTAWA – 16 March 2020 – The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) today welcomed recent announcements from major Canadian retail Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to suspend data overage fees for at least some time to assist Canadians with remaining connected during the present coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
“We commend the Canadian industry for leading on consumer access to the Internet during this crucial time,” said John Lawford, Executive Director and General Counsel of PIAC. “Communications will be crucial in this fight against the virus and we encourage all telecommunications service providers to adopt similar policies, including payment flexibility and to consider adding other services, such as wireless, to their unlimited access policies,” he added.
UPDATED 14 April 2020: PIAC has produced a summary of major Canadian ISPs’ and WSPs’ policies, in their own words and with direct links to their responses. **Limited wireless responses now are starting to appear.**
PIAC encourages consumers with particular access or payment issues to send us your concerns via our response form. Note that although we cannot advocate on your particular issue, we will use these stories to assist us with seeking systemic solutions for consumers.
For more information please contact:
John Lawford
Executive Director/General Counsel
Public Interest Advocacy Centre
285 McLeod Street – Suite 200
Ottawa, ON K2P 1A1
613-562-4002 x 25

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The CRTC is listening, get your mobile wireless problems heard!

piac_admin — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 19:38:14 +0000

OTTAWA, April 12, 2019 – Have you faced any issues with your mobile wireless service – cellphones – be it your bills being too high, data overage fees, high roaming charges, poor quality of service, or any other problems? The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is reviewing the mobile wireless services. With this public consultation, the CRTC will be specifically looking at:

the state of competition in the retail wireless service market;
regulation of wholesale mobile wireless service and the provision and competition implications of the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) access; and
the future of mobile wireless services in Canada- 5G technology and other developments.

Here’s your chance to share your experiences and ideas with the CRTC; enabling them to better understand your wireless concerns, and accordingly, plan and take the required measures. PIAC encourages you all to participate, and share your views regarding the available choices within the retail wireless industry, issues you have faced with mobile wireless services, and any measures needed for improvement.
It is important that you comment in detail, and be as specific as possible about your issues and ideas. You may choose to add your particular experience– what happened when you complained about an issue, or brought it to the attention of your wireless provider? What challenges did you face in dealing with this? How would you like these issues to be addressed? Details like these will allow for a more clear and precise understanding of the point being made.
We also encourage you to share this message and the link to the CRTC’s public consultation page with your contacts. Remember, more public input means a stronger and a more prominent consumer voice, with a better chance of seeing positive changes for consumers.
Do not wait, participate now and be a part of this process. Please note that your comments must be received by the CRTC by 5 p.m. Vancouver time (8 p.m. Ottawa time) on May 15, 2019.
We at PIAC continue to advocate for your rights, and plan to be your voice during this proceeding. Watch our website for our submissions to the CRTC throughout the process.
Helpful Links:

CRTC Notice of Consultation: The CRTC’s Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2019 – 57
Direct link for commenting on the CRTC’s Consultation: Link for submitting your comments
NEW: Coalition for Cheaper Wireless Services (CCWS), which includes PIAC, ACORN, NPF and CARP: initial comments dated 15 May 2019.
Contact the CRTC: https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/contact/
To contact PIAC: https://www.piac.ca/contact-us/

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PIAC Supports New Policy Direction to CRTC; expects lower costs, more choice in wireless and Internet

piac_admin — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 19:22:19 +0000

OTTAWA – The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) today expressed its support in a comment filed in answer to a consultation in the Canada Gazette for the Government’s proposed new “Policy Direction” to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), intended to protect consumers, encourage affordability, increase competition and encourage innovation in telecommunications services.
“PIAC supports the Government’s proposed New Policy Direction to the CRTC to re-focus Canadian telecommunications regulation on consumers, cost and choice,” said John Lawford, Executive Director and General Counsel at PIAC. “We expect it will encourage concrete changes like more wireless service options, more Internet service options at higher speeds and all of it at prices Canadians can better afford.”
PIAC also recommended abolishing a previous Policy Direction from 2006 that favoured “market forces” in CRTC decision-making, stating its “time has passed and that it should, in reasonably short order, be revoked.”
For more information, please contact:
John Lawford
Executive Director and General Counsel
Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)
(613) 562-4002 ×25
jlawford@piac.ca
www.piac.ca

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Government’s proposed “Policy Direction” to CRTC means lower prices, more protection for consumers in Internet, Wireless

piac_admin — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 15:43:12 +0000

OTTAWA, February 27, 2019 – The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC), today hailed yesterday’s announcement by the Hon. Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) of a proposed new “Policy Direction” to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) that should lead to lower prices, affordable access and more consumer protection for Canadians buying Internet and wireless services.
“The Government has signaled with this Policy Direction that it wants the CRTC to change course and put consumer interests first,” said John Lawford, Executive Director and General Counsel of PIAC. “We applaud the Government’s acknowledgement that consumers need affordable access to the Internet, whether at home or on the go, and that consumer protection and increased competition are essential to achieve this goal” he added.
For more information, please contact:
John Lawford
Executive Director and General Counsel
Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)
(613) 562-4002 ×25 (work)
(613) 447-8125 (cell)
jlawford@piac.ca

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