I like to seek out obscure notations within court and regulatory rulings.
Like this one that can be found in today’s decision by the BC Supreme Court on the issue of who has the fastest and most reliable network:
[5] The wireless telecommunication industry in Canada is dominated by a corporate triumvirate consisting of Rogers, Telus and Bell Mobility Inc. Much like the triumvrs of the late Roman Republic, the competition among them is intense.
Battling claims in court, heavy investment in infrastructure. These aren’t the typical characteristics of a cosy oligopoly portrayed by some.
And now there is a judicial finding of intense competition. Rogers Claims – Fastest Most Reliable – Judgment http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=23080573&access_key=key-2fhcrrtug51z8yl4tamf&page=1&version=1&viewMode=list
I don't believe anyone would claim that Telus and Rogers are chummy, or have some kind of arrangement to accept the status quo. The fact that Bell/Telus built their new HSPA network shows there is some competition.
However, Canadians still feel ill-served by the relatively few choices available to us. If our current market conditions are "hypercompetitive", what will they call it if some of the new entrants actually succeed?
From a consumer's standpoint, the telecom market in Canada is not competitive enough. Encourage competition, and consumers will win in the long run.
Personally, I will feel that our good old oligopoly has begun to crumble when the incumbents begin to treat their customers more like valued clients and less like ATM's.
3 year contracts – by all three?
I have to pay extra for decent voicemail?
I have to pay extra for caller ID? Seriously? In 2010? Man walked on the moon 40 years ago, and I'm still getting nickle and dimed for caller ID.
The majority of wireless subscribers in the US haven't paid for long distance or roaming in years. Canada? Right.
Until one of the three majors makes some move to change the status quo regarding the service levels and real cost for consumers, then yes, I will consider the oligopoly to be alive and well.