Industry Canada committed to more collaboration with CWTA, wireless industry

Industry Canada has always had a close relationship with the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, and some of the rewards of that partnership were recognized at the CWTA's second annual Connected to the Community gala on February 12. The following is an edited excerpt from Industry minister Brian Tobin's speech. The next wave of ecommerce - mobile commerce or mcommerce - offers unlimited potential to increase the productivity of Canadian business and also strengthen our international competitiveness making it easy for us to capture Canada's share of the world ecommerce market. I want to assure you that Industry Canada will continue with its efforts to achieve a connected, competitive advantage to ensure that Canada becomes the ecommerce choice of consumers and businesses around the world. We can do this because Canada possesses one of the best communications infrastructures in the world and some of the world's most affordable prices for telecommunications services. The government of Canada is committed to providing high-speed broadband Internet access for all Canadian communities by 2004. I know that is easier said than done, but I have confidence we're going to be able to achieve that in partnership with the private sector which I believe has the vision to step up to the table with us. Through the efforts and expertise of the National Broadband Task Force, the government is partnering with stakeholders to examine technical, institutional and financial barriers on the road to achieving that objective. And the government will certainly be looking at its own role in the process. Furthermore, through effective legislation and regulatory frameworks, and with policies supporting a competitive business environment, wireless innovation, infrastructure and services will play a fundamental role in connecting Canadians. The recently completed auction of digital PCS spectrum demonstrated the government of Canada's goal to improve the Canadian information infrastructure and encourage growth in the range of wireless telecommunications services available to Canadians. The money raised is substantial, but it's worth noting that compared to auctions elsewhere particularly in Europe, Germany and the UK, it is a sum which is I think more reasonable. While the government of Canada and the tax payers of Canada have been fairly compensated for access to that spectrum, we haven't burdened our industry in this country. I believe that with a reasonable cost of access to the spectrum in Canada, you'll have the dollars available to make the investment necessary for infrastructure. I'm told, we can expect something in excess of $3 billion and that's important because dollars are left on the table to go and do the work necessary to utilize that spectrum. But the second thing is at the end of the day, one of the great Canadian competitive advantages is that cost of access. We don't want to see that cost unnecessarily increased. I think that we've found an appropriate balance. The CWTA and its members play and will continue to play a fundamental role in promoting and sharing information in wireless telecommunications issues. And this is essential to the formation of effective public policy. And I'm confident that the association will continue its good work in the future by promoting the development and strengths of wireless throughout government, the business community and to Canadian citizens. This is essential to the continued innovation of new products and services. And I want to commend the CWTA in terms of the partnerships with the educational sector for the promotion of research and mobile safety and health issues. You have brought the terms 'look ma, no hands' to another level. As wireless interests continue to gain prominence in the new economy, the CWTA will be an integral partner of Industry Canada and I look forward to continuing that positive relationship.

Industry Canada committed to more collaboration with CWTA, wireless industry

News | 02/19/2001 5:00 am EST

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