Canada’s 28 Million Wireless Subscribers Pay Average of $61 per Month: CRTC
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission this week released its very thorough annual Communications Monitoring Report, which details the progression of wireless adoption and consumer habits in Canada.
There are now 27.9 million wireless subscribers in Canada according to the CRTC, up 1.8% from the year before. To no one’s surprise, Rogers, Telus, and Bell continue to own more than 90% of the wireless market.
Cell networks reach 99% of the Canadian population, and LTE is making quick ground, now available to 72% of Canadians, up from 45% in 2011.
According to the report, Canadians pay an average of nearly $61 per month for their cell service. That astronomical figure is up 5% from less than $58 in 2011. Canadian families spent an average of $185 each month on communications services in 2012, compared to $181 the previous year. In particular, Canadians consumed more wireless data and subscribed to Internet services featuring higher broadband speeds.
“It is interesting to note that Canadians’ habits are evolving,” said Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman of the CRTC. “More Canadians than ever are watching and listening to content on their computers, smartphones and tablets, yet the vast majority of programming is still accessed through traditional television and radio services.”
“While Canadians generally are well-served by their communication system, the Commission must remain vigilant and responsive to emerging trends and issues,” Blais added. “Canadians in rural parts of our country, and especially in the North, do not enjoy the same telecommunications services as those living in urban centres.”
Overall revenues for the communication sector surpassed $60 billion for the first time in 2012, growing 2.3% to $60.7 billion. Revenues generated by broadcasting services increased by 1.4% to $16.8 billion, while those generated by telecommunications services climbed 2.7% to $43.9 billion.
According to the CRTC’s report, the percentage of Canadians that subscribed to Netflix grew from 10% in 2011 to 17% in 2012.
Image: CRTC
