Unbundle Technology

Text of the Policy
 We will introduce a requirement that the providers of bundled services, computer software and hardware, price and offer each component individually as well as in a bundle.

Rationales

 * The bundling of services with hardware has created artificial barriers to entry in a number of markets in the last decade. To ensure that innovation is possible and to improve competition we would aim to introduce a requirement that the providers of bundled services, software and hardware products price and offer each component individually as well as in a bundle.


 * We will treat locking of electronic devices, whether the locking of software to hardware or hardware to a service, as an anti-competitive act.

Snippet of Discussions

 * We should limit the unbunbled versions to the bundled pricing. (important for cell phone companies).

Possible Misinformations
Myth: This would hamper ability of business to profit  Fact: Anti-competitive law have been in existence to prevent price gouging and anti-competitive act by companies using their leverage to shut out competition. This would update the competition act to deal with bundling technology used as a means to price gouge consumer, prevent competition, or abuse their dominance.

Related News or Articles

 * Canadian Competition & Regulatory Law Blog: Abuse of Dominance in Canada
 * United States v. Microsoft Corp.
 * Brazil's music collecting societies convicted of forming an illegal cartel
 * YouTube to block indie labels as subscription service launches

Back to Policies 2015 Main Page