Canada’s telecoms regulator, the CRTC has kicked off a one-year review aimed at assessing Internet quality and speed across the country, with a particular focus on rural and remote areas.
As part of the review, which started on 9 April, Canadians have…
Canada’s telecoms regulator, the CRTC has kicked off a one-year review aimed at assessing Internet quality and speed across the country, with a particular focus on rural and remote areas.
As part of the review, which started on 9 April, Canadians have been asked to express their views on a number of issues, including the speeds and services regarded as necessary in a digital economy, potential funding mechanisms for underserved areas, and the roles played by telecoms operators and the public sector.
Comments on the above issues must be submitted by 30 June 2015, with a second-stage consultation to be held in autumn, followed by a public hearing on 11 April 2016.
“The proceeding will also serve to examine the CRTC’s role in ensuring that basic telecommunications services are available to all Canadians. The CRTC’s current policy ensures that Canadians in all regions have access to, at a minimum, a low-speed Internet connection,” the regulator said.
The CRCT also pointed out that new technologies, such as smart traffic control systems to more effectively manage congestion and smart metres to measure energy, water or natural gas consumption in real time are adding pressure to existing services.
The regulator previously reviewed basic service objectives in May 2011, concluding that Internet service rollout in rural areas should be driven by market forces as well as targeted government funding.
Consultation on Telesat’s satellite services
Separately, the CRTC also launched a public consultation on satellite provider Telesat’s current price ceiling.
The public review was prompted by a 2014 investigation on the Canadian satellite transport service market, which found that satellite dependent communities rely almost exclusively on Telesat’s satellite network.
The consultation is meant to determine whether the price ceiling for Telesat fixed satellite services is still appropriate in light of current market conditions and future projections.
Canadians have until 21 August 2015, to file their comments.
2,500 MHz auction to kick off this week
The Canadian government’s 2,500 MHz auction, which is due to start on Tuesday, could reportedly raise up to C$850m with Telus expected to be the largest bidder.
Other bidders include rival BCE, Rogers, Quebecor’s Videotron and Wind Mobile, Atlantic Canada operator Eastlink Wireless and Tbaytel, regional carrier Manitoba telecom Services, as well as rural broadband providers such as CCI Wireless, SSi Internet and Xplornet Communications.
The country’s latest AWS-3 spectrum auction, which was held on 3 March, raised a total C$2.1bn.
Unlike the AWS-3 tender, which set aside 60% of the 50 MHz tendered spectrum for smaller players, the 2,500 MHz will not reserve any spectrum for new entrants.
However, it places a 40 MHz cap on the amount of 2,500 MHz spectrum any one player can hold in each service area.
