CRTC responding to industry concerns, commissioner tells BC telecoms

The CRTC is making headway in improving the telecommunications landscape, a conference in western Canada was told. Claire Anderson, commissioner for British Columbia and the Yukon, was a featured speaker at the British Columbia Broadband Association meeting Tuesday. “I want to start by saying that your theme this year–Accelerating Connectivity in Western Canada–is something the CRTC actively supports,” she said. “Our goal is to work with everyone to make sure all Canadians have access to reliable, affordable, and high-quality internet and cellphone services.” She cited Statistics Canada numbers that show internet service prices are down 15.5 per cent in March, while wireless plans dropped 26.2 per cent year over year. She conceded that not all service providers are able to compete and pledged a more competitive environment. The commission is worried about takeovers of small players by larger ones, as well as medium-sized companies signaling their intention to sell. She pointed to the regulator’s decision last year on pole access to competitors as a hopeful sign for competition. Anderson further noted that additional wireless facilities, known as small cells, will need to be deployed. A consultation on small cells is currently underway. The CRTC is looking at ways to improve access to the Broadband Fund, which helps roll out internet connectivity in rural and remote areas. Over $300 million has been spent so far, bringing service to 230 communities. The time to approve applications has been cut by 40 per cent, she added. “Our third call received requests for more than $1.9 billion in funding, showing just how popular this program is becoming,” the regional commissioner stated. The regulator is working on reducing the regulatory burden on service providers, she said. “We heard loud and clear during public consultations that we need to move faster and be more transparent in making decisions given their impacts on consumers, businesses, and the economy,” Anderson told the conference. Some small players complain about having to fill out CRTC surveys, considering it a waste of time that could be better spent servicing customers. But the commissioner said the studies are necessary for effective policy making. “We are committed to working with our counterparts to streamline all these processes, so you don’t have a bunch of different entities all asking you the same thing,” she pledged. All have to work together to connect Canadians to internet and wireless service, she concluded. – Reporting by Paul Park at ppark@thewirereport.ca

CRTC responding to industry concerns, commissioner tells BC telecoms

News | April 24, 2024

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CRTC responding to industry concerns, commissioner tells BC telecoms

News | April 24, 2024

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