If you think you’re getting a raw deal on your wireless data plan, you’re right to complain. A new report from Rewheel, a Finnish-based data consulting company, shows that Canada has the world’s worst wireless pricing.
The company studied how many gigabytes of 4G wireless data mobile users in OECD and EU-28 countries were able to get for 30 euros (or approximately $46 CAD).
As the graph shows, the situation in Canada is pretty dire.
For $46 CAD, Canadians are only getting an average of 2 GB of data for their wireless plans.
Meanwhile, people in Croatia, Austria, Finland, Lithuania, Slovenia, Switzerland, Latvia, Estoria, and Poland all get unlimited data for the same amount.
Hmm.
Wireless pricing is better in more competitive markets
Rewheel’s research also showed that wireless pricing in countries with four mobile network operators (MNOs) is better than in countries with only three.
Consumers in markets with four MNOs could buy, on average, three times more gigabytes for €20 and nearly two times more for €30 compared to markets with three MNOs.
Thankfully, the Canadian federal government is taking some steps to alleviate the problem.
Earlier this year, Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced that 43% of the 600 MHz spectrum to be auctioned off next year will be reserved for local competitors and potential new entrants into the telecommunications industry.
More competition, the government says, will lead to better quality services and lower prices for Canadians.
Time will tell if that’s the case. But for now, Canadians will just have to look at other countries across the pond in envy.
