Canadian cell providers ordered to cut prices by 25%

Your cell phone bill will get a little bit cheaper in the next year or two.

The Government of Canada has ordered Canada’s three major national carriers, Rogers, Bell and Telus, to cut their prices by 25%.

Let’s talk #affordability and what the future of mobile pricing could be like in 🇨🇦! https://t.co/o9kr5gegSY pic.twitter.com/hVasKDCUN5

— ISED (@ISED_CA) March 5, 2020

Navdeep Bains, minister of industry, made the announcement in Scarborough today and said there’s a two year timeline to get this achieved.

“Canadians shouldn’t have to choose between having a cellphone or heating their home,” said Bains.

“These new tools build on a number of initiatives we already set in place to help lower prices, improve access and ensure affordable, high-quality wireless services in every corner of our country.”

If these targets aren’t met in two years, Bains says the government will use other regulatory tools to take action.

Great to be part of Minister @NavdeepBains announcement in #Scarborough to make wireless services more affordable. These measures will increase competition and lower mobile prices, making sure Canadians have a fair and equal chance to benefit from the digital economy. pic.twitter.com/8Xamn7umt9

— Jean Yip (@JeanYip3) March 5, 2020

The move is expected to translate to between $150 and $180 in savings for people each year, although the numbers will certainly vary.

A price comparison study done last year showed that Canadians have been paying more for their cell phones than consumers in other G7 countries and Australia.

Reducing cell phone bills was part of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s election platform in 2019.