The CRTC issued today the results of Broadcasting and Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2011-344, a 'fact-finding' expedition launched in may of this summer with the objective of re-examining the impact of online video distribution services (referred to somewhat derogatorily as 'over-the-top' services) on traditional broadcasting Act objectives. The fear underpinning this fact-finding expedition was that new online video services such as Netflix will introduce competition a character that traditional broadcasters cannot compete with. In its submission, CIPPIC argued that cries of alarm from traditional broadcasters are greatly exaggerated, and that the commission should refrain from taxing or otherwise regulating online video services or risk stifling online innovation and service migration. CIPPIC also argued that, by its nature, the Internet avoids problems relating to distribution of Canadian content as issues of scarcity do not arise. In its report, issued today, the Commission adopted this 'hands-off' approach, at least until the issue is scheduled for re-assessment in 2015. The Commission also mentioned the need to develop new tools for more accurate assessment of the impact and scope of online video services, and, unfortunately, appeared to have accepted the need to monitor the 'out of control' network (wireline and mobile) traffic growth online video is generating. CIPPIC has addressed traffic growth fear-mongering in past submissions to the CRTC, and most recently in its comments and replies to the TNC CRTC 2011-77.
If you own a .ca domain and are a registered CIRA member, it's time to get your vote on! This week, a total of four CIRA Board of Director positions are up for election. There are only two days left to cast your ballot through the quick online process at elections.cira.ca.
The internet is a public resource and we all need to ensure that the public interest is at the forefront of internet policy. We at CIPPIC encourage you to vote for those candidates with the public interest of an open, equally accessible, and secure internet at the forefront of their minds. In particular, we can speak to the excellent capabilities of Bill St. Arnaud, Kevin McArthur, and Marita Moll.
OpenMedia.ca released "Casting an Open Net: A Leading Edge Approach to Canada's Digital Future", a report demonstrating the need for a comprehensive digital policy that has openness as its guiding principle. The report lays out a factual and policy basis for the need for Openness, as well as an action plan that lays out clear steps that will allow Canada to regain its digital leadership role by providing Canadians with an open, affordable Internet.
CIPPIC contributed a chapter to the report
Today, the Liberal party called for a true digital strategy to return Canada to its prominent position in the global digital economy. The statement called for strong rules establishing an open and neutral network for Canada so as to stop ISPs from discriminating against content. The statement also cited studies showing Canada as home to some of the highest average Internet cost per speed ratios in the developed world.
The CRTC has turned down CAIP's application to vary the CRTC's decision in CAIP v. Bell, finding no substantial doubt about (1) the correctness of its determinations that Bell's throttling of wholesale customer traffic does not control the content or influence the meaning or purpose of telecommunications it carries, (2) the completeness of the record used to make that decision, or (3) whether or not Commission fettered its discretion. The Commission declined to review other elements of the application to review and vary on the grounds that Bell's traffic management practices would now be subject to the new analytic framework and tariff requirements set out in Telecom Regulatory Policy 2009-657.
Further to an Order-in-Council issued by the Canadian government (federal Cabinet; Minister of Industry) in April 2007, the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) initiated a proceeding in August 2007 to establish a Telecommications Consumer Complaints Agency. A group of telecommunications service providers ("TSPs") meanwhile responded to the Ministerial direction by establishing the Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services. The CRTC's public notice invited comments, by Oct.1 2007, on the appropriate structure and mandate of the new Agency, and on the industry proposal.
The CRTC recently considered network neutrality – the issue of whether Internet Service Providers should be permitted to discriminate against different types of traffic that passes on their website. The idea is that ISPs, much like phone companies, are carriers and merely carry messages from source to destination, neutrally, without discriminating against one type or another.
This declaration was sent by PIAC on behalf of the signatories to the Minister of Industry by way of a letter dated January 10, 2006.
In April 2005, in response to lobbying from Canada's large telephone companies, the federal government created a panel of three industry experts to review the way telephone service and telecommunications should be regulated.
Links to resources on Net Neutrality.
The domain name system (DNS) was created in the early 1980's in order to simplify navigation on the Internet. The DNS is thus of critical importance to the way the Internet operates: if it fails, websites and email addresses cannot be located.
This FAQ contains information regarding domain name disputes and assumes that a business or other party has complained about a domain name that you have registered.
