Should the government take steps to lower your cellphone bill?

Minister of Industry Christian Paradis responds to a question during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, November 23, 2011. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)Canadians should expect more competitive rates for their cell phone services after a decision on foreign ownership in the sector, indicated Industry Minister Christian Paradis.

But the minister said he needs more time to study the issues, despite speculation that he would make an announcement to an industry convention today.

The minister also said he wants rural customers to receive the same wireless service as those in large, urban centres.

Some analysts' predicted that Paradis would announce the removal of restrictions on foreign investment for smaller players  - those with 10 per cent or less in market share - in the mobile playing field.

Globalive chief executive Tony Lacavera, operator of the Wind Mobile, speculated that the major telecom companies - Rogers Communications (TSX:RCI.B), Bell (TSX:BCE) and Telus (TSX:T) - would lobby against any changes to the current model due to their dominance in the field.

Currently, telecom operators in Canada are restricted to a maximum 46.7 per cent in direct and indirect foreign investment.

Should the government allow more foreign investment for wireless companies? Do you think it will result in better prices for customers? Let us know in the comments section below.


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