Canadians have long suffered under a telecom regime ruled by the Big Three.
The result? Some of the highest wireless prices in the world and spotty internet access for around a quarter of the population in remote areas.
That could soon change if all goes according to Elon Musk’s plan.
Earlier this month, the Tesla and SpaceX founder applied for a license that would allow his company offer telecommunications services in Canada.
The plan is to beam high-speed Internet from SpaceX satellites that would reach all corners of the country. Musk aims to offer high-speed Internet across the United States later this year before unveiling global coverage in 2021.
If successful, SpaceX will beat the federal government by about a decade. In last fall’s elections, the Liberals promised every Canadian household would have high-speed Internet access by 2030.
Rural Canadians are stoked about the news. “I live in rural Ontario where there are no providers that can provide internet at a fast and affordable price,” said Mahdi Hossinzehi in an interview with the CBC. Hossinzehi lives in Cedar Valley, Ont., about 30 kilometres north of Toronto. “With fast, reliable and affordable internet, rural areas will benefit immensely economically, and a lot of younger people won’t end up leaving for the city,” he said.
The decision to approve the license now rests with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
