The federal government is going ahead with a new set of marching orders for Canada’s telecom regulator after overruling objections from the industry’s biggest players.
The federal department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development first announced a proposed new policy direction last May and on Monday itThe direction, along with recent comments from the CRTC’s newly appointed chair, are the latest indication that change could be coming for Canada’s beleaguered wholesale internet market.
The official said that during a public consultation last summer, the large companies argued the policy direction was unnecessary and more regulation was inadvisable, and even challenged its legality.
Language is weak and vague. No recognition of Internet as essential service in the order. No mandate for universal Internet at equitably accessible prices and performance, necessary to drive FTTP and 5G deployments. Rural and low-income Canadians will still get 2nd class service.