February 6, 2014—Ottawa-Gatineau—Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today announced the launch of an inquiry regarding satellite services used to provide telecommunications services to northern and remote communities in Canada. This inquiry will be led by CRTC Commissioner Candice Molnar and will focus on communities that depend on such technology.
In a decision released last December concerning telecommunications services in certain areas of northern Canada, the CRTC identified a digital divide between communities that receive these services over terrestrial facilities and those that are served solely by satellite. It was also noted that there are other communities in Canada that receive their telecommunications services over satellite facilities.
The CRTC believes that modern telecommunications services are essential tools that Canadians in the North and remote areas need for economic development and to meet the growing demand for digital services such as health care, education and government services.
More information on satellite services used to provide telecommunications services to northern and remote communities in Canada is necessary in order for the CRTC to make informed decisions on the matter. This inquiry will examine the impact they have on the quality of the services and on the costs to service providers to offer telecommunications services to these communities.
Commissioner Molnar is expected to complete her review and report her findings to the Commission by October 2014.
Notice of consultation CRTC 2014-44
Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2013-711
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