Canada
has a number of advantages in the online space. Canada has the world's
second highest market penetration of high speed Internet access
and the lowest cost broadband services - around $25 (US) while the
world average is $40 (US). The benefits of high market penetration
and low cost to consumers are obvious.
However, Canadians are also starting to indicate dissatisfaction
with high speed providers, with satisfaction scores declining 15%
in the last six months. As people become comfortable online, they
expect and demand more.
The majority of online Canadians are merely scratching the surface
of an engaging online experience, using the Internet for email and
searching.
To create a more connected Canada, the marketplace needs to leverage
opportunities for true innovation. One opportunity is already emerging:
it's increasingly common for new products like cars, PDAs, appliances
and phones to be IP accessible, so everything can communicate with
everything else. The challenge, and opportunity, for service providers
is to make effective use of this infrastructure; to keep you connected
and engaged anytime and anyhow.
Canadian service providers need to offer compelling reasons for
users to do more online. The online experience should be rich, engaging,
safe, easy and relevant to Canadians. Getting people online is no
longer the challenge - now it's about the best possible online experience.
We're continuing to evolve our complete package of access, content
and product features; setting the bar for the next generation of
enhanced online services.
