Canadian regulator bows to pressure from Ottawa and reviews decision to force smaller ISPs to end unlimited Internet access packages.
The mandatory usage-based billing for internet users is finally over, along with the Netflix debate in Canada after broadcast regulator CRTC bowed late Thursday to Ottawa pressure and signalled an end to plans that will put an end to the unlimited online access packages offered by small internet service providers or ISPs.
CRTC chairman Konrad von Finckenstein said the introduction of the usage-based billing for smaller ISPs customer will be delayed by the regulator for 60 days. The file will also be reviewed.
This came after Federal Industry Minister Tony Clement issued an order early Thursday for the reversal of the January 25 decision to deny the ability to download unlimited content without the payment of overage fees, from Netflix Canada, iTunes and other online video sources.
Finckenstein reiterated his support for usage-based billing despite the federal government’s move.
“We are convinced that Internet services are no different than other public utilities, and the vast majority of Internet users should not be asked to subsidize a small minority of heavy users,” the CRTC chair argued.
“For us, it is a question of fundamental fairness. Let me restate: ordinary users should not be forced to subsidize heavy users,” von Finckenstein said in a statement.
The feds showed its disagreement by backing up Internet user groups who raised the alarm last week after the CRTC ruled that Rogers Communications, Bell Canada and other major ISPs can determine the usage rates.
Such ruling would have stifled the Internet market’s competition as it will force the ISPs to charge their customer based on their usage. This will also eliminate unlimited internet services.
Canada: Usage Billing For Internet is Over
Canada: Usage Billing For Internet is Over
Canadian regulator bows to pressure from Ottawa and reviews decision to force smaller ISPs to end unlimited Internet access packages.
The mandatory usage-based billing for internet users is finally over, along with the Netflix debate in Canada after broadcast regulator CRTC bowed late Thursday to Ottawa pressure and signalled an end to plans that will put an end to the unlimited online access packages offered by small internet service providers or ISPs.
CRTC chairman Konrad von Finckenstein said the introduction of the usage-based billing for smaller ISPs customer will be delayed by the regulator for 60 days. The file will also be reviewed.
This came after Federal Industry Minister Tony Clement issued an order early Thursday for the reversal of the January 25 decision to deny the ability to download unlimited content without the payment of overage fees, from Netflix Canada, iTunes and other online video sources.
Finckenstein reiterated his support for usage-based billing despite the federal government’s move.
“We are convinced that Internet services are no different than other public utilities, and the vast majority of Internet users should not be asked to subsidize a small minority of heavy users,” the CRTC chair argued.
“For us, it is a question of fundamental fairness. Let me restate: ordinary users should not be forced to subsidize heavy users,” von Finckenstein said in a statement.
The feds showed its disagreement by backing up Internet user groups who raised the alarm last week after the CRTC ruled that Rogers Communications, Bell Canada and other major ISPs can determine the usage rates.
Such ruling would have stifled the Internet market’s competition as it will force the ISPs to charge their customer based on their usage. This will also eliminate unlimited internet services.
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