Maximizing our customers' experience also requires us to commit close to $1 billion every year for network investments. Those who say that bandwidth expansion comes at zero cost do not live in our world.
Shaw's network investments have helped Canada become one of the most dynamic, competitive broadband markets in the world, with a unique mix of cable, telecommunications, wireless, and alternative service providers. Approximately 95% of households have access to broadband using two competing land line facilities, and over 90% of households have access to multiple wireless broadband companies.
Contrary to the suggestions of others, Canada's Internet penetration, prices, and speeds compare very well with other countries' despite the challenges of our geography and population distribution. Canada's broadband leadership has been driven by competition between facilities-based providers, who typically invest $8 billion to $10 billion in capital expenditure per year. This fuels a positive cycle of declining prices and faster speeds with no government subsidies.
At Shaw, when we first launched our high-speed Internet service, it included 1.5-megabyte download speed at under $55 per month. Today, that same Internet product has 7.5-megabyte download speed for under $40.
In light of the above, we believe that the CRTC's approach to usage-based charges has appropriately balanced the needs of small ISPs and the telecommunications and cable ISPs. We require the market-based tools necessary to manage our network for the benefit of all consumers and to sustain broadband investment, which is really the foundation and the future of the industry.
We agree with the CRTC chairman that usage-based billing is a legitimate principle for pricing Internet services, and that fairness demands that certain Internet users should not be forced to subsidize others.
At Shaw, we have no interest in telling our customers how they can or cannot use the Internet. Our goal is to bring the best and fullest Internet experience to our customers through competing, innovating, investing in our networks, and bringing consumer choice through tailored and flexible service packages.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.