Bell Canada has applied to the #CRTC to exempt its satellite relay distribution service (which relays TV channels via satellite to other TV providers) from licensing so it doesn't have to pay licence fees or devote 5% of revenues to Canadian programming contributions.
@andykm question: has the #CRTC indicated there would be a final reply to the hearing? I have only see replies to the request for information/undertakings.
Todays INDU hearings has given incumbents an opportunity to score points against wholesale which of course goes back to #CRTC via minister who actually writes the decisions.
At the INDU concert hall this morning:
The Incumbent Trio perform their concerto in PR major
"Collusion in wireless"
Starring Mirko (Bell), Staffieri (Rogers), Entwhistle (Telus).
Conservative MP Rick Perkins asks softball question to incumbents to extend the Wireless code 2 year limit for contracts (seamingly to lower the cost per month to consumers, but doesn't actually lower the price of the wireless plans (now billed separately) and the total cost of handset is still the same, and you don't get the handset payment "vacation" between year 2 and 3.
Today, the #CRTC is launching a public consultation to gather views on the regulatory framework for the /Online News Act /(formerly Bill C-18). This consultation follows the publication, on December 15, 2023, of regulations by the Department of Canadian Heritage on the application of the Act.
The Act is intended to help Canadian news organizations reach fair commercial agreements with the largest online platforms.
Am currently tethering. DSL connection went bonkers last night and continued today. Constant resynch, everytie at different speeds. had to submit something to CRTC ad link failed 3 times as I filled the form and send my document. (and with link down, can't get the email for 2 factor authentification so couldn't restart while tethering desktop) so had to be patient.
Ebox, now a Bell flanker had tech support queues of over 50 all day today. Have to hurry research on new ISP.
I know it is just a coincidence, but a week or two after speaking against Bell at #CRTC, on the very day of important document filing deadline, my line goes bunkers and ISP won't answer its phones.
I'll write it off as Murphys Law. But...
Finding an ISP who will accept me as customer won't be easy.
I really resent the Competition Bureau telling INDU yesterday that they agree that cellular prices are going down. Just checked my bill and it continues to go up. Used to pay $35 for this 2GB package. And I NEVER see any offers that are applicable to me. NEVER. I would have to change carrier to get a better deal for a while and then they too would stay to jack up prices every year. (the only offers I get from Fido are for higher ARPU plans). Never for lower price. #CRTC
If there were truie market forces, the incumbent's pricing would be logical, not haphazard randomly generated pricing that is not logical meant only to increase ARPU.
Earlier today, the CRTC and the Competition Bureau appeared at INDU committee of Parliament to discuss:
Accessibility and Affordability of Wireless and Broadband Services in Canada
Last December, the #CRTC used some of its broadband fund (contributed by customers of ISPs across Canada) to provide subsidy to Melon Husk's Starlink for services in Nunavut.
On C-11: The #CRTC is actively meeting with stakeholders to redefine "Canadian Content". This smells like ex-parte meetings with lobbyists. Next decision in "coming months" will set contributions to be made, followed by a process to ensure those conributions are fair.
Bill S-210, requiring online age-verification and seriously implicating freedom of expression, is in the news today. Here's a summary the Bill and some of its many issues: https://youtu.be/UN8eP6LlWVY
@privacylawyer Choosing #CRTC to enforce this is sooo wrong. They are not equipped for this and this should really go to a special RCMP force. At least RCMP can go to Interpol and ask police in the web hosts' home country to take action. CRTC has no such powers.
#CRTC chairwoman,s closing statement
Importance of affordable internet
key role Internet access plays in society
importance of competition
icumbent's difficulties in deploying new networks
need for the right balance for the rates.
The TLDR: the #CRTC was hoodwinked into fudging costing numbers to set rates that are closer to what incumbents want vs what ISPs need. The presence of word "investment" in Policy Direction allows incumbents to succesfully blackmail the CRTC to firce uncompetitive wholesale rates. The fact that the charperson mentioned the need to find the balance in her closing statements shos nobody achieved goals in hearing except incumbents.
Today, the #CRTC hearing will see representaive of what are now incumbent flanker brands CNOC, then BC Broadband Association and one of the last remaining ISPs standing, Teksavvy.
Despite major membership changes with incumbent-owned ISPs, CNOC still providing very good presentation. (and since their lawyer has been rather brutally direct in telling me in my face I have no business participating in #CRTC proceedings), this "kudos" from me means more.
Vidéotron is member of CNOC via VMEDIA. So CNOC naturally wishes to exempt Vidéotron from any restrictions on incumbents using wholesale outside their territory.