Translate Politics Parliament in plain language.

Telecommunications

During question period, a Conservative member asked the government what it is doing about cell service dead zones in Elgin County and southwestern Ontario, saying coverage maps based on industry claims do not match actual service for rural customers. A Liberal parliamentary secretary replied that rural connectivity and affordability are priorities for the government, saying average cellphone rates have fallen 43% over three years while companies continue investing in networks.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

2 statements

Andrew Lawton

Conservative
“Telecom companies claim they have full cell service in southwestern Ontario, but there are still dead zones. I want to know what the minister is doing to make sure rural Canadians get the service they pay for.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, do any of the ministers over there know their files? Telecom coverage maps rely on industry claims, but in Elgin County and across southwestern Ontario, these maps do not reflect actual service, with persistent dead zones in areas where companies claim full coverage. What precisely is the industry minister doing to ensure that rural Canadians are getting the cell service they are paying for?

View on ourcommons.ca Grade A View analysis

Karim Bardeesy

Liberal
“We care about lower costs and better internet and phone service in rural areas. Average cellphone rates dropped 43% in the last three years while companies keep building networks.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, for this government, rural connectivity is very important and affordability is very important. That is why the average cellphone rate has actually gone down 43% over the last three years, while companies continue to invest in their infrastructure. We work hard with these companies and through the CRTC to make sure investments continue, including in rural Canada.

View on ourcommons.ca Grade B View analysis

Discussion

No comments yet

See the full discussion

Comment rules

More from sitting 134

All 60 items ·
  1. Government Orders Government Business No. 11—Proceedings on Bill C-26 11 statements
  2. Oral Questions Public Safety 4 statements
  3. Oral Questions The Economy 10 statements
  4. Oral Questions Canadian Identity and Culture 6 statements
  5. Oral Questions Justice 2 statements
  6. Oral Questions The Economy 2 statements
  7. Oral Questions Northern Affairs 2 statements
  8. Oral Questions Seniors 4 statements
  9. Oral Questions Public Safety 2 statements
  10. Oral Questions Employment 2 statements
  11. Oral Questions Health 2 statements
  12. Oral Questions Labour 2 statements
  13. Oral Questions Public Services and Procurement 2 statements
  14. Oral Questions Indigenous Affairs 4 statements
  15. Oral Questions Seniors 2 statements
  16. Oral Questions Telecommunications 2 statements
  17. Oral Questions Sport 2 statements
  18. Oral Questions Access to Information 2 statements
  19. Oral Questions Housing 2 statements
  20. Oral Questions The Economy 3 statements
  21. Oral Questions Marine Transportation 2 statements
  22. Oral Questions National Defence 3 statements
  23. Oral Questions International Trade 5 statements
  24. Oral Questions Indigenous Affairs 2 statements
  25. Oral Questions Aerospace Industry 2 statements
  26. Oral Questions Agriculture and Agri-Food 5 statements
  27. Government Orders Strong and Free Elections Act 34 statements
  28. Oral Questions Seniors 2 statements
  29. Government Orders Business of the House 2 statements
  30. Oral Questions Intergovernmental Relations 2 statements
  31. Oral Questions Firearms 2 statements
  32. Oral Questions Fisheries and Oceans 2 statements
  33. Oral Questions Government Appointments 2 statements
  34. Private Members' Business National Framework on the Durability of Electronic Products and Essential Home Appliances Act 8 statements
  35. Government Orders Strong and Free Elections Act 29 statements
  36. Government Orders Combatting Hate Act 7 statements
  37. Government Orders Government Orders 11 statements
  38. Adjournment Proceedings Adjournment Proceedings 4 statements
  39. Adjournment Proceedings Adjournment Proceedings 4 statements
  40. Government Orders Government Orders 19 statements