Cutting the cord

Advances in wireless technologies are preparing the way for a fundamental shift in the delivery of telecommunications services to Canadians. As our communications networks become less reliant on hard-wired and location-specific technology, many Canadians are carrying their communications gear in their pockets. The satellite industry has adjusted to provide customers across Canada with access to fixed and mobile satellite telecommunications. Small digital satellite dishes have appeared on city rooftops as well as transforming the rustic landscape of northern and rural Canada.

The advent of a new generation of handheld wireless devices that can be linked to the Internet could spur an even less wired world in the future. The key to wireless growth in Canada thus far has been our ability to transmit information reliably and at high speeds. In 2001, 48% of Canadian households had a cellular phone, up from 42% in the previous year. There were over 11.8 million mobile subscribers at the end of 2002, more than one in every three Canadians.

Canada's expertise in the area of connectedness is being exported to many developing countries. Canadian-led initiatives are underway in Africa, Asia and the Americas.