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“Canadians shouldn’t be paying more for their already very expensive internet and communications services and that is something we will take into account,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters on Monday.

The three main wireless providers — BCE Inc’s Bell unit, Rogers Communications Inc and Telus Corp — account for around 90 per cent of the market.

Consumer advocates have long complained this leads to gouging that particularly hits the poor.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) — which regulates the industry — said wireless costs account for almost 9 per cent of the household income of the bottom 20 per cent of Canadians.

Vast

In December, Canada’s innovation ministry released an independent report that showed while prices were gradually falling, Canadian monthly plans with two gigabytes of data still cost $75.44.

The equivalent price in the United States was $61.26 while in Rome it was just $21.11. In Australia, like Canada a vast underpopulated country, the figure was $24.70.

The major telecommunications providers disagree with the study and say costs are roughly comparable with those elsewhere. The Liberals though are determined to act.

“There are two choices: legislate or push through measures to boost competition,” said one of the sources, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation.

When you get into an election campaign you get into emotion sometimes

Bell and Rogers referred queries to the industry group Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA). Telus did not respond to requests for comment.