Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to respond to the comments made by the hon. member for Québec regarding protection for cellphone users. First, I would like to talk about the government's telecommunications policy.
The telecommunications sector is an important part of a prosperous, productive and competitive Canadian economy and society. Our government's job is to ensure that appropriate regulatory frameworks are in place to encourage competition and investment so that Canadians can benefit from access to advanced telecommunication services at competitive prices.
Our government has taken a number of important measures to build on our strong record of encouraging greater competition and consumer choice in telecommunications.
In the last wireless spectrum auction in 2008, the government reserved a portion of the spectrum exclusively for new market entrants. In 2012 and 2013, the government announced that it was taking further action to support competition in the telecommunications sector through the following measures: lifting foreign investment restrictions for telecom companies that hold less than a 10% share of the total Canadian telecommunications market, which will help telecom companies with a small market share access the capital they need to grow and compete; ensuring at least four providers in every region can acquire spectrum in the upcoming 700 megahertz and 2,500 megahertz spectrum auctions; reviewing the policy on spectrum licence transfer requests, with an eye to sustaining competition; applying specific measures in the auction of 700 megahertz spectrum aimed at seeing that Canadians in rural areas have access to advanced wireless services in a timely manner; and extending and expanding the existing policy on roaming and tower-sharing to further support competition and reduce unnecessary proliferation of new cellphone towers.
In the past two decades, cellphones have become a basic necessity for many consumers, whereas they were previously used primarily in the business world. Now, the vast majority of Canadians use cellphones and many Canadians are giving up their land lines in favour of wireless devices.
These telephones are used for much more than talking and sending text messages. The use of data on smart phones is increasing at lightening speed, and Canadians are using their cellphones to stay connected, be entertained and conduct business. Wireless services are increasingly important for consumers and businesses.
As the minister has previously noted in this House, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, the CRTC, is currently carrying out a proceeding to develop a mandatory code of conduct for consumer wireless services.
This government recognizes the importance of both competition and strong investment in digital infrastructure. The measures we are taking will ensure that Canadians enjoy the benefits of choice and access to advanced services in the telecommunications marketplace.