Phones Canada is excited to share the latest insights from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s 16th annual report on wireless and internet pricing in Canada. Commissioned by Wall Communications, this comprehensive 84-page report provides valuable comparisons of pricing trends among incumbents and other telecom players in Canada, as well as against G7 peer countries and Australia.

Here are some key takeaways from the report:

– Wireless prices have seen an average decline of 18.2% for data plans in 2023, aligning with recent data from Stats Canada showing an 18.6% drop in the cellular services price index.
– Significant price drops have been observed for home internet plans up to 100 Mbps in 2023.
– International price comparisons highlight how Canada stacks up in terms of wireless and internet pricing.

Minister François-Philippe Champagne emphasized the importance of competition in driving affordability for Canadian consumers. With a focus on promoting competition, affordability, and consumer rights, government policies are yielding positive results. Recent mergers and new measures proposed in Budget 2024 are expected to further enhance competition and offer better prices for telecom services.

Following approved mergers like Rogers-Shaw and Quebecor-Freedom, wireless prices have decreased by 26%, according to Statistics Canada. In December 2023, the availability of 20 GB plans priced between $30 to $40 marked a significant decline compared to the average pricing of $73 in 2022.

While Black Friday and Boxing Day remain prime times to snag cellphone deals, keep an eye out for offers from flanker brands for competitive pricing. The pressure from Freedom Mobile’s Canada-US plans has prompted major players like Rogers, Telus, and Bell to offer more competitive rates.

Stay tuned for more updates on telecommunications trends and pricing strategies that impact Canadian consumers. At Phones Canada, we’re committed to keeping you informed about the latest developments in the industry.