Competition Bureau launches market study on broadband

Jim Eglinski, Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, is pleased to inform residents that the Competition Bureau has launched a market study to look into consumer habits in purchasing internet services, with the goal of better understanding the competitive dynamics within the Canadian broadband sector.

The study will explore whether there are ways to foster more competition in this sector, which could lead to more choices and lower prices for Canadians. Specifically, the study will look at whether changes to internet regulations could result in a broader range of service options, encourage more informed consumer choice, and reduce barriers to consumers switching between providers.

“While most Canadians are well-served, many, including those in the rural areas of our Yellowhead riding, do not have access to broadband internet access services that are comparable to those offered to the vast majority of Canadians in terms of speed, capacity, quality and price,” stated MP Eglinski.

The study will address four broad themes: the ability of broadband providers to deploy competitive service offers, consumer reactions to new competitive alternatives, the impact of existing regulation on broadband providers, and whether there are lessons to be learned from how other countries manage and regulate broadband competition.

“Ensuring availability of broadband internet access service is a shared responsibility that will only be attained with the help of everyone involved,” concluded MP Eglinski.

Those with an interest in the Canadian broadband sector are invited to share their views on the issues raised by the study. For more information on how to make a submission, visit: www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/04360.html