MP Sparks Charged Debate over Cellphones

Universal cellphone chargers are coming to an outlet near you.

NDP MP Glenn Thibeault can no longer stand the waste and injustice. In his private member’s bill, the consumer protection critic called for a law that would force the cellphone industry to make a universal charger for all cellular phones sold in Canada. Citing environmental damage, inconvenience, and added costs to consumers, Thibeault said standard-charger legislation was the way to go. The only problem? “We’ve already done that,” the industry has said. A rep for the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association has said that not only has the industry already agreed to make these chargers, but they’ve also already told Thibeault about their agreement. Fourteen companies, including Apple, RIM, Samsung, Nokia, and Motorola aim to produce such a charger by early 2012.