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MP Gord Johns not happy with cell phone rates

Courtenay-Alberni MP calling on the government to review cell phone rates

MP Gord Johns rose in the House of Commons this week to take on rising wireless rates for mobile phones and called out inaction from government to bring in greater fairness.

Canadians pay some of the highest wireless rates in the world.

"Only eight percent of Canadians believe they are getting a 'good deal' on the wireless service they pay for," Johns (NDP Courtenay-Alberni) said in the House of Commons. "What action is the government taking to stop the price gouging?"

Canada's telecommunications regulator recently refused an application that would have allowed smaller wireless services access ability to enter the cell phone carrier market, according to a news release from Johns' office. This directly follows a move by Canada's largest telecoms to raise the cost of their wireless plans across the board.

"Let me tell you, as a former small business owner, there is a lot of frustration out there when the three largest companies in an industry simultaneously raise their prices and then tell Canadians that there's plenty of competition in the marketplace, " said Johns, who also cited the effects of these high prices on communities in his riding.

Johns said he will will work with his NDP caucus colleagues to demand the government review Canadian cell phone rates and develop a plan that increases competition and lowers costs for consumers.

— NEWS Staff/news

release from MP Johns' office