Three of Canada’s smaller mobile phone carriers have jointly announced they’re withdrawing from the industry’s main lobby group, claiming it’s biased against their interests in favour of their main rivals.
Wind Mobile, Public Mobile and Mobilicity accuse the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association of consistently taking positions that favour Canada’s three older, bigger carriers.
The trio of privately owned carriers said the association promised to be a voice for all its members but has largely been an advocate for Rogers, Bell and Telus.
“When we were first approached by the CWTA, we were promised clear and fair representation on issues of true industry alignment,” said Simon Lockie, Wind Mobile’s chief regulatory officer.
“But despite making our objections and concerns abundantly clear on numerous occasions, the CWTA has repeatedly failed to honour this promise, leaving us no alternative but to withdraw.”
Public Mobile and Mobilicity made similar complaints in the same release.
CWTA director of communications Marc Choma said the CWTA was surprised and disappointed to hear the announcement, calling the three carriers “valued members of the CWTA.” He rejected the accusation the organization only represents the interest of the big three telecoms, saying the CWTA “has always and will continue to work on behalf of all of its members.”
“The many contributions of WIND, Mobilicity and Public Mobile will certainly be missed, and CWTA would welcome their return to the Association in the future,” he said.
Wind Mobile, Public Mobile and Mobilicity emerged after the Canadian government moved to increase competition in 2008 when it reserved some wireless spectrum for new entrants.
Ottawa is preparing to hold another auction of spectrum that will allow carriers to build faster networks that will cover more area.
