Site-blocking further expanded in GoldTV case

BCE Inc., Quebecor Inc.‘s Groupe TVA, and Rogers Communications Inc. — the trio of companies behind Canada’s first ever website-blocking order — have submitted a draft order adding new domains to the Federal Court.  This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, …

CIPPIC, CIRA to challenge court authority in site-blocking case

Both the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) and the Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic (CIPPIC) at the University of Ottawa are set to argue that the only the CRTC, and not Federal Court, is authorized to direct third-party internet service providers to block websites. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a …

Court docs detail expansion of Canadian website-blocking order

Fresh documents are shedding light on how Canada’s first piracy case involving court-ordered website-blocking is playing out — revealing methods used by BCE Inc. to keep up with an expanding list of sites, and that Bell, Rogers Communications Inc. and Quebecor Inc. sent a letter asking third-party ISPs to keep mum about their request for …

Court orders Canadian ISPs to block pirate website for the first time

In a precedent-setting decision, a Federal Court judge has ordered internet service providers to block specific websites hosting copyright-infringing TV content. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial or subscribe …

Distributel asks court for ability to challenge future site-blocking

In the event Federal Court allows a site-blocking application brought by three of the country’s largest broadcasters, Distributel Communications Ltd. wants to ensure internet service providers (ISPs) can challenge subsequent orders brought to their doorstep and be compensated for any legal action taken against them for complying.  This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already …

Telecoms say speed throttling doesn’t violate net neutrality

The big three telecoms are telling the CRTC that their practice of slowing data speeds down on the new “unlimited” plans after customers reach their data cap is not a violation of the regulator’s policy on internet traffic management practices (ITMPs).  This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN …

CRTC asks wireless providers to justify post-data cap throttling

The CRTC has asked several telecoms to explain how their throttling of wireless speeds once customers exceed their data allotments doesn’t violate the commission’s regulatory policy on internet traffic management practices (ITMPs). This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and …

Groups diverge on handling of net neutrality in comms laws

Canada’s current laws implicitly protecting net neutrality are sufficient enough not to warrant its explicit enshrinement in the legislation, some groups are arguing. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial …

CRTC asks Ottawa for single regulator on passive infrastructure

The CRTC is formally asking the federal government to make one regulatory body the ultimate decider on disputes over access to infrastructure like utility poles and water towers, expressing worries that overlapping jurisdictions and a “growing resistance” from communities who think certain installations are a blight could lead to delays in telecom build-outs. This content …

Yale responds to criticism about review panel consumer reps

OTTAWA – Conservative senators doubled-down on a previously-raised concern with the makeup of the Liberal government’s expert panel reviewing Canada’s communications laws, telling panel members testifying before the Senate’s transport and communications committee Wednesday that it lacked pro-consumer voices. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? …

CRTC reviewing ISPs’ differential pricing practices

The CRTC is reviewing Canadian ISPs’ traffic management and differential pricing practices for compliance with its net neutrality framework, according to a letter sent out by the commission requesting specific information from ISPs. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting …

Senators asked to champion net neutrality in comms laws review

OTTAWA — Lawmakers need to make net neutrality a major priority and imprint the principle into any new communications legislation, University of Ottawa law professor Michael Geist and Carleton University communication studies professor Dwayne Winseck told Senators Tuesday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock …

Gov’t cites NAFTA over U.S. net neutrality rollback concerns

The federal government is affirming its commitment to enforcing the principles of net neutrality not only inside the country but abroad, as it has vowed to “address” situations in which Canadian companies are affected by the traffic management practices of United States internet service providers (ISPs). This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a …

Making net neutrality law redundant: telecom execs

TORONTO — If there was a single point of agreement among panelists representing both small and big internet service providers (ISPs) on a panel discussing regulatory issues at the Telecom Summit in Toronto, it was on what they said is a redundancy in imposing net neutrality as a guiding principle in the telecommunications and broadcasting …

Motion seeking to enshrine net neutrality into law passes

A motion asking the government to consider enshrining the concept of net neutrality into law passed unanimously in the House of Commons on Wednesday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free …

FCC net neutrality repeal to be effective June 11

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s repeal of its 2015 net neutrality rules will take effect on June 11, the United States regulator said Thursday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free …

Gov’t shouldn’t allow FairPlay regime: House committee

The House ethics committee said that if the CRTC rules in favour of a proposal to implement a website-blocking system to fight piracy, the federal government should consider overturning it. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media …

Internet Society establishes lobby footing in Canada

A decades-old organization that is pushing for a multilateral approach to decision-making on the future of the internet has registered to lobby the government for the first time. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you …

Telecoms defend FairPlay to MPs, call for 5G net neutrality flexibility

OTTAWA — Representatives from Canada’s biggest telecoms argued that flexibility in Canada’s net neutrality framework will be necessary with the advent of 5G, as they answered questions about a proposal to block websites hosting pirated content from parliamentarians Tuesday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? …

Liberals signal interest in enshrining net neutrality in law

OTTAWA — The idea of of explicitly making net neutrality part of Canada’s laws has been floated in recent days by federal politicians, with a Liberal MP planning to introduce a motion on the subject in the House of Commons and the question popping up at the House ethics committee. This content is available to …

Cross-industry coalition calls for website-blocking

A broad coalition made up of Canada’s largest telecoms and broadcasters, as well as groups representing content creators, is asking the CRTC to put in place a system to block pirated content. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and …

Scheer says he supports net neutrality

Opposition leader Andrew Scheer has said he supports net neutrality, despite statements by his Innovation critic, Maxime Bernier, indicating Bernier had a different opinion on the issue last month. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news …

Canadian gov’t reiterates net neutrality support as FCC kills 2015 rules

The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 Thursday to overturn its net neutrality rules, though legal challenges to the vote were being announced within hours Thursday. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you …

Scheer mum on net neutrality as CPC MPs take opposing sides

Opposition leader Andrew Scheer isn’t going public with his position on the issue of net neutrality, even as two members of his caucus — both former Industry ministers — are publicly disagreeing on the question. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian …

FCC sets Dec. 14 date for net neutrality roll back

In a release on Tuesday, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Ajit Pai announced his plan to end net neutrality rules established during Barack Obama’s presidency. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a …

Pai confirmed for second FCC term

The United States Senate confirmed Monday current Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Ajit Pai for a second five-year term. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial or subscribe to The …

Joly’s cultural policy continues drawing mixed reaction

Various groups praised the promised investment in production and promotion included in the federal government’s new cultural strategy, while opposition MPs criticized it in question period and financial analysts pointed out the new strategy won’t affect the declining traditional TV sector. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN …

New CRTC vice-chair not afraid of tough issues: ISED PS

The CRTC’s incoming vice-chairwoman of broadcasting, Caroline Simard, has a thorough, analytical mind and is well equipped to tackle the big issues in her new role at the telecom and broadcast regulator, according to the innovation minister’s lieutenant. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock …

FCC’s net neutrality changes could affect Canada, some experts say

On Wednesday, major internet and tech companies teamed up to rally against a proposal by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to overturn net neutrality rules imposed in 2015. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you …

‘Battle for the Net’ coming Wednesday

Major internet-based companies and organizations are preparing to participate in a Wednesday campaign advocating for the preservation of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Open Internet Order, also known as Title II. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital …

Uphold net neutrality for free expression: UN report

Net neutrality is a digital pillar in citizens’ right to free expression, according to a report by the United Nations special rapporteur, or independent expert, on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, David Kaye. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN …

Big three take aim at Videotron customers

BCE Inc., Rogers Communications Inc. and Telus Corp. are trying to lure customers of Quebecor Inc.’s Videotron with targeted promotions, following a similar offer from Videotron. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial or …

Videotron asks for extension on Unlimited Music finale

Quebecor Inc.’s Videotron is asking the CRTC for more time to comply with the decision killing its Unlimited Music service last month, when it was found to be out of step with the concurrent decision on differential pricing practices that essentially banned zero-rating. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in …

FCC consulting on proposal to reverse net neutrality rules

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comment on its proposal, approved Thursday, to replace its current net neutrality rules. This content is available to wirereport.ca subscribers Already a subscriber? Sign in here LOGIN Forgot password? Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need. Take a free trial or subscribe to The …

Net neutrality issues will re-emerge with IoT: MEI

The growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) will force a new perspective on net neutrality and zero-rating, a report from the Montreal Economic Institute argues.

“The development of the Internet of Things will bring to the fore a whole new set of situations in which it may be necessary to treat customers, devices, applications or platforms differently,” the report, released Wednesday, said.

U.S. court declines to rehear net neutrality appeal

A U.S. appeal court said Monday it won’t reconsider an appeal of the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) net neutrality rules.

FCC head outlines plans for Open Internet rejig

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will introduce a proposal next month for a new plan to replace the existing Open Internet order, also referred to as Title II, Chairman Ajit Pai said Wednesday.

Telecoms to compete on service after zero-rating decision: analysts

The CRTC’s decision Thursday to ban most forms of zero-rating means telecoms will have to rely on service in order to stand out from the competition, analysts said.

CRTC effectively bans most zero-rating in differential pricing decision

As the CRTC banned most forms of differential pricing practices Thursday — including declaring that telecoms can’t pick and chose Internet content to zero-rate and ordering Quebecor Inc.’s Videotron to stop offering its Unlimited Music service — Chairman Jean-Pierre Blais suggested the move levels the playing field between small and large telecoms and content providers and their customers.

Sandvine warns about zero-rating ‘fraud’

A new report from broadband equipment maker Sandvine Corp. says that some Internet users are avoiding data charges by disguising Internet traffic to look like zero-rated content.

“Enticed by the potential of receiving unlimited data for minimal (or no) cost, subscribers have a strong incentive to engage in circumventing behaviour,” the company said in its Global Internet Phenomena Spotlight report, released Wednesday. Sandvine sells services that allow telecoms to identify such circumvention, it said in the report and in a press release.

Telecoms shouldn’t be gatekeepers, Blais says ahead of differential pricing decision

The CRTC may very well complete the record on net neutrality policy in Canada when it releases its decision Thursday afternoon on differential pricing practices, chairman Jean-Pierre Blais told a Harvard University audience Tuesday.

Facebook beefs up lobbying squad

Facebook Inc. is increasing its government relations presence in Ottawa, with three new registrations filed with the lobbying commissioner’s office last month.

According to the federal lobbyists’ registry, the social media giant has contracted the services of U.K.-based consulting firm AA Access Partnership Ltd., bringing the number of consultants registered to lobby on behalf of Facebook to nine.

CPC leadership contenders outline views on media, telecom issues

On May 27, members of the Conservative Party of Canada will select who will succeed former prime minister Stephen Harper as permanent leader of the party, relieving interim Opposition leader Rona Ambrose of her caretaker duties.

Wireless Code review poses regulatory risk: Desjardins

The CRTC’s review of the Wireless Code “generates regulatory risk across the industry,” with the biggest potential threat being mandating the separation of device costs from monthly service fees on customers’ bills, Desjardins Capital Markets analyst Maher Yaghi said in a research note Monday.

FCC won’t take action against zero-rating: Pai

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said Friday it won’t “focus on denying Americans free data” going forward, as it ended its investigation into zero-rated offerings.

New chairman Ajit Pai said in a statement that “free-data plans have proven to be popular among consumers, particularly low-income Americans, and have enhanced competition in the wireless marketplace.”

Instead, the FCC will “concentrate on expanding broadband deployment and encouraging innovative service offerings.”

Ajit Pai nominated as new FCC chairman

Ajit Pai has been picked by the new U.S. president to lead the United States' telecom regulator, Pai announced on Twitter Monday.

In a statement, Pai said he looks “forward to working with the new Administration, [his] colleagues at the Commission, members of Congress, and the American public to bring the benefits of the digital age to all Americans.”

Zero-rated programs from vertically integrated providers may cause harm: FCC report

A branch of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said it had concerns with the differential pricing practices used by Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Inc. as it wrapped up a review of sponsored data and zero-rating.

Amazon little threat to Netflix, Crave for now: analyst

A tepid launch of Amazon.com Inc.’s Prime video streaming service in Canada doesn’t seem likely to pose a challenge to existing players in the Canadian streaming market — for the time being, at least, given Amazon’s global clout could make it a formidable challenger in the future.

Tom Wheeler leaving FCC in January

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Tom Wheeler is leaving his post as head of the United States regulator on Jan. 20, 2017.

CRTC suspends PIAC website blocking application

FCC dep’t engaging in ‘wild goose chase’ over zero-rating: commissioner

A branch of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is engaging in a “wild goose chase” by investigating a pair of companies’ zero-rating offers, according to one commissioner.

In a statement posted to the American regulator’s website Friday, commissioner Mike O’Rielly called for the FCC chairman to “halt this wild goose chase at once,” citing direction from U.S. Congress to “avoid directing attention and resources to complex or controversial matters.”

Eisenach named to Trump “landing team”

Jeffrey Eisenach has been named to U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s “landing team,” with responsibility for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), according to a Monday press release.

Mark Jamison, director of the Public Utility Research Center at the University of Florida, was also named to the team and will focus on the FCC. The landing team will play a part in the transition from the current U.S. administration.

CRTC chair OK with being ‘disruptive showman’

OTTAWA — With more than six months left in his term as CRTC chairman, Jean-Pierre Blais isn’t ready to start using the word “legacy” in relation to his term as head of the Canadian regulator, but in a speech to a communications conference Wednesday, he gave a glimpse into a self-awareness of his own CRTC epitaph.

Internet companies reach out to new U.S. leadership

An organization representing four-dozen major online-based companies has reached out to president-elect Donald Trump, congratulating him on his victory while proposing digital policy planks for his administration to consider.

Videotron goes on defence as differential pricing hearing wraps

GATINEAU, Que. — Those who innovate shouldn’t be penalized because their competitors can’t keep up, the CRTC heard Friday from representatives of the telecom company partially responsible for this week’s public hearing on differential pricing practices.

CRTC should be flexible with zero-rating: Rogers

GATINEAU, Que. — While Rogers Communications Inc. said it generally does not support differential pricing practices (DPP), it suggested Wednesday that the regulator should stay flexible in its approach given potential developments in Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

No proven harm from differential pricing: Bell

GATINEAU — The CRTC shouldn’t take the non-participation in this week’s hearing by content providers who might eventually benefit from zero-rating and other differential pricing practices as non-interest, a five-commissioner panel studying the issue heard Tuesday.

Zero-rating regime should be similar to ITMP framework: CNOC

GATINEAU — On the first day of the CRTC’s hearing on differential pricing practices, a consortium representing small telecoms asked the CRTC to allow but regulate the practice of zero-rating, though CRTC chairman Jean-Pierre Blais questioned how zero-rated categories would be determined under such a regime.

Reddit reaction to differential pricing overwhelmingly critical

Users of Reddit Inc.’s website have largely railed against differential pricing in a discussion initated by the CRTC, with an overwhelming number of comments on the social platform expressing concern about the practice, which allows providers to exempt some services from counting towards a customer’s data allotment.

Differing opinions on how to guide differential pricing, interventions show

Even among those who support differential pricing practices such as zero rating and sponsoring data, there isn’t a consensus as to how they should be regulated by CRTC, according to additional comments filed with the commission in its proceeding on the issue.

Supplemental interventions were published on the CRTC’s website on Thursday, ahead of the five-day public hearing, which begins Oct. 31 in Gatineau, Que. During the week-long hearing, the CRTC panel will hear from 31 groups, companies and individuals.

CRTC taking to Reddit to ask about differential pricing

The CRTC will host a public discussion on differential pricing practices for Internet data plans on Reddit Inc.’s website, the regulator said Monday.

The commission said in a notice it will host the discussion forum on the /r/Canada subreddit “to encourage individuals who might not otherwise participate in this proceeding to share their points of view.”

Advocacy groups, telecoms agree with CRTC on website blocking

Reponses filed with the CRTC last week by consumer, advocacy and industry groups indicate that all parties support the CRTC’s preliminary view on Quebec’s Bill 74, which would block access to unauthorized gambling websites.

ITMP complaints steady: CRTC

The CRTC received nine Internet traffic management practices (ITMP) complaints in the three months ended June 30, bringing the yearly total (since July 1, 2015) to 33.

The quarterly number of complaints was the same as the quarter preceding it, and two more than the seven complaints reported in the October-to-December period, according to an ITMP update published by the regulator on Friday.

Trump lacks broadband, telecom policy: report

Much of the divide between the two leading candidates for the U.S. presidency is that one has articulated policies on technology and innovation while the other has not, according to a new report by Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF).

CRTC weighs in on legality of Quebec online gambling law

The CRTC is looking for input on a preliminary view it’s taken regarding the legality of blocking of Internet content, as it considers how to deal with a complaint about a Quebec law mandating blocking of illegal gambling websites.

E.U. issues final guidelines on net neutrality rule implementation

The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) has put out guidelines that clarify its rules on net neutrality, including zero-rating.

Net neutrality, rural broadband raised during Bains chat

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains took questions from Twitter Inc.’s Toronto office Friday afternoon, in

Telecom groups launch new opposition to FCC net neutrality rules

Second challenge to Bill 74 begins as CWTA goes to court

The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) has filed a court challenge to a Quebec law that would force telecoms to block some illegal gambling websites, telling the court the legislation puts companies in an “untenable position.”

In a French-language document filed Wednesday, the industry group asked Quebec’s Superior Court to determine the law is unconstitutional, given that it contravenes federal jurisdiction of both telecommunications and criminal law.

Quebec online gambling law unconstitutional: PIAC

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) is asking the CRTC to deem as unconstitutional a Quebec law compelling Internet service providers (ISPs) to block certain online gambling websites.

In a new Part 1 application filed Friday, the advocacy group said that the legislation passed by Quebec’s national assembly in May, “is in direct conflict with s. 36 of the Telecommunication Act.”

Bell mobile-TV appeal dismissed

The Federal Court of Appeal has upheld the CRTC’s ban on BCE Inc.’s zero-rated mobile-TV plans, a year and a half after the commission ruled the company couldn’t exempt the service from data caps.

U.S. court upholds FCC net neutrality rules

A U.S. appeals court has denied an industry appeal of the Federal Communications Commission’s net neutrality rules.

Zero-rating hearing generational chance to end data caps: OpenMedia

Advocacy group OpenMedia is calling on the CRTC to end data caps, which it says are a result of a “broken telecom market,” ahead of a commission hearing on zero-rating.

Industry execs blast Quebec Internet-blocking, call for CRTC involvement