New Democrats call for full hearings on internet caps

OTTAWA– The public backlash against the usage based billing has been unprecedented. Unfortunately, despite promising to revisit the issue, the CRTC’s current review – taking into account only four percent of Canada’s internet market - is clearly inadequate.

“Given that a small group of giant telecom companies control 96 percent of the consumer market, the CRTC must play a strong role in ensuring that consumers aren’t gouged and that anti-competitive practices are not allowed,” said New Democrat Digital Affairs Critic Charlie Angus. “I am asking for a comprehensive review of the entire regulatory framework for wholesale high-speed access services.”

In a letter sent to the CRTC Friday Angus called for full hearings and public consultation on speed, pricing and accessibility. Angus noted that the Commission has a fundamental obligation to protect the innovative potential of the internet.

“We all have a stake in ensuring that UBB caps do not constrain the full innovative potential for all Canadian citizens. The New Democratic Party believes a metered internet will lead to Canada becoming a digital backwater,” said Angus. “I look forward to the CRTC undertaking a full review of this matter.”

Over 470,000 people have signed the online petition at www.openmedia.ca