Here's what you paid for but won't get to use

I was away from the internets when this story broke (yeah, I know..... it was horrid), so I apologize for the lateness of this story and applaud my friend Ernest for bringing it to my attention.

Canadian Industry Minister Tony Clement scrapped a taxpayer-funded online tool that helps consumers compare cellphone plans. Allegedly this happened after lobbying by the wireless industry. The tool was apparently shelved just weeks before roll-out after government officials met with representatives from the mobile phone lobby. Michael Geist weighed in on his blog on Monday.

Some enterprising individual posted a glimpse of said tool (be sure to view it full screen to read it). Wonder how long before it's pulled down?

[Update] Ernest alerted me to a story about how the UK have their own mobile rate calculator, that includes data plans as well.

Thanks Ernest.