Recently, a number of new wireless providers have entered the Canadian market, and sparked a flurry of competitive activity among the “Big 3” telecommunications companies. Mobilicity, WIND Mobile, and Public Mobile are three new private companies are offering some stiff competition to the established carriers because they are building their own neworks, not just using the same infrastructure. They are marketing their services mainly to “talk and text” consumers, those with limited wireless needs for whom price is a critical decision maker. In response, Rogers has launched a new brand, Chatr, and Bell and Telus say they are soon to follow with low-cost carriers.
I think this heightened competition is a great thing for Canadian consumers; we have some of the highest prices for wireless service in the world. As the companies scramble to reposition and promote their brands and services, prices will begin to steadily drop.