Wireless Industry Supports Government's Opposition to an "iPod Tax"

OTTAWA, Dec. 14 /CNW/ - Canada's wireless industry today confirmed its support of the Canadian Government's decision to oppose a new tax on MP3 players and smartphones as part of its copyright legislation.

Bernard Lord, President and CEO of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA), offered the following comment:

"This is absolutely the right decision for consumers as the Government moves forward with its digital economy strategy. We don't agree that law-abiding consumers should have to pay twice - once to legally download a song, and once again for the right to play it on a MP3 player or smartphone. There are also lots of uses for digital media players and smartphones that don't involve playing recorded music, and this proposal would have unfairly penalized consumers that way too. The Government definitely got this right."

Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA)
CWTA is the authority on wireless issues, developments and trends in Canada. It represents cellular, PCS, messaging, mobile radio, fixed wireless and mobile satellite carriers as well as companies that develop and produce products and services for the industry. (http://www.cwta.ca)

For further information:

Marc Choma
613-233-4888 ext. 207
[email protected]