OTTAWA-GATINEAU, July 23, 2010 — The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today launched an online consultation to hear the views of Canadians about their access to basic telephone and Internet services. This consultation is part of a proceeding that will include a public hearing beginning on October 26, 2010, in Timmins, Ontario.
In 1999, the CRTC set out the basic services that telecommunications companies should offer to Canadians, which include local service on an individual telephone line and access to low-speed Internet at local rates. Over the last decade, new technologies have changed the way that Canadians communicate and do business. There has also been an increase in competition between telephone and cable companies to provide telephone and Internet services.
The CRTC is examining its current regulations in response to these technological and competitive changes in the telecommunications industry. More specifically, the CRTC is asking Canadians whether the obligation to provide certain services should be modified in light of the technologies available today.
Through the online consultation, the public is invited to discuss various topics and questions. The topics for discussion are:
- the services that should be included as part of a basic telephone service
- the role of the CRTC in ensuring that Canadians have access to broadband Internet service
- whether cellphones can serve as a substitute for landlines, and
- whether wireless Internet services can serve as a substitute for landline Internet services.
The online consultation will close at midnight EST on August 20, 2010 and can be found at www.obligationtoserve.publivate.ca.
The CRTC
The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.
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