THE C-R-T-C IS GETTING A FACE FULL OF COMMENTS THIS WEEK -- REACHING OUT TO CELL PHONE COMPANIES AND CUSTOMERS TO CREATE A "NATIONAL CODE"

FOR WIRELESS PROVIDERS.

NEWSWATCH'S STEPHANIE WILKINS DID HER OWN PUBLIC SURVEY TO SEE WHAT'S NEEDED TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE

. You can't go into a mall without seeing someone on a phone or walking by a store or kiosk that sells them.

Despite the popularity of mobile phones, Canada's regulation body doesn't have a standard code that regulates the wireless industry across Canada.

But that could soon change - the CRTC is holding public hearings which could result in new rules and guidelines.

John Pliniussen, Queen's University Professor:

"I think the consumers will be very happy that there is some minimums and maximums put in place. The providers won't be happy but we have to do something to become more competitive."

When comparing what Canadian's pay for wireless plans versus Americans it can sometimes be difficult to swallow the high price tags.

Something Mark Pieczonka and his daughter know all too well.

Mark Pieczonka, Wireless Consumer:

"we got to Florida, we went into the nearest Wal Mart bought a 20 dollar phone and for 20 dollars a month we were able to call United States, Canada, long distance anywhere we wanted to it was so cheap we couldn't believe it. So yeah we know it's a lot more expensive up here in Canada."

a sentiment that other consumers can understand......

Katie Tidman, Wireless Consumer:

"I've heard of other plans where you pay less money a month and you do get more data, so I guess if I could try and find one with the carrier I'm with then that would be good."

Katie Quinn, Wireless Consumer:

"For long distance charges between home and wherever I end up is a concern."

Emma Langlois. Wireless Consumer:

"I'm paying I think 75 dollars a month or something....it's a lot."

The argument has been made that with Canada's population being one tenth of the U-S it becomes more expensive to operate here, one Queen's professor believes that argument doesn't hold a lot of weight.

John Pliniussen, Queen's University Professor:

"My daughter right now is in Denmark going to school there and the cost of her plan is a quarter of what it was in Canada and Denmark has a population base of 5 million people.

The providers in other countries simply are able to offer more competitive rates than the dominant providers here."

Stephanie Wilkins:

"One thing to keep in mind is that even if a National code is implemented it remains unclear whether or not it will work retroactively and so it may not have an affect on people who are currently locked into contracts.

Stephanie Wilkins CKWS Newswatch, Kingston."