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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

Linked statement

“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?

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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.

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