RELAXED RULES: The Canadian government is lifting restrictions on foreign ownership of wireless companies.
THE NEW POLICY: Non-Canadians can now own 100 percent of firms with a market share of 10 percent or less. Currently, direct and indirect foreign investment in telecom companies is restricted to a combined total of 46.7 percent.
SIGNIFICANCE: Small Canadian telecom outfits have struggled against the larger market players and the lack of competition has meant that Canada has some of the highest cellphone rates in the world. Officials say the new measures will foster greater competition and lower prices.
