NDP: Bring in Affordable Internet and Cellular Services for All Canadians

OTTAWA – High-speed internet and cellular services are a necessity for Canadians, despite this, broadband access and wireless services are far from being affordable or reliable in Canada. Today, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh introduced the NDP’s new website www.ndp.ca/lower-my-bill as a place for Canadians to share their story about internet and cellular fees.

“Canadians pay some of the highest prices for mobile wireless and broadband subscriptions in the world. This is wrong,” said Singh. “We believe that not only is broadband access essential, wireless services are too. They need to be affordable for all.”

For decades, Liberal and Conservative governments have relied on market forces and competitiveness to determine what Canadians pay for their cell phone and internet every month. Bell, Rogers, and Telus received close to 50 million in subsidies, had more than 500 meetings with the Liberal government and received more than 700 million in contracts from the federal government. In 2017, the profits of the "Big Five" totalled $7.49 billion, and their profit margins have reached an astonishing 46.2 percent.

“Canadians are paying skyrocketing prices while telecoms companies make billions in profits. Once again, Justin Trudeau is showing who’s side he’s on, and it’s not yours,” added Singh. “Canadians deserve a government who has the courage to stand up to the rich telecommunication companies and to use every tool available to make life more affordable for people.”

New Democrats will continue to push the Liberal government to make life more affordable for Canadians as part of their plan to lower internet and cellular fees.