CRTC considering public consultation on net neutrality

'This could represent a major step toward addressing the Canadian net neutrality concerns.' - Michael Geist

Ottawa (20 June 2008) - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has apparently heard a growing chorus of individuals and organizations, including the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), calling for action to protect net neutrality.

In what many net neutrality advocates are considering a major step forward, Konrad von Finckenstein, the CRTC chair raised the possibility of specific hearings on net neutrality during a speech to the 2008 Canadian Telecom Summit. In his remarks, von Finckenstein said:

"We are currently addressing the traffic-shaping issue in the context of Bell's wholesale broadband access tariff. But this particular dispute is just the tip of the iceberg. Under the heading of net neutrality lies a whole range of questions affecting consumers and service providers. Fundamental issues of technology, economics, competition, access and freedom of speech are all involved."

He highlighted these concerns:
? Blocking of services or websites.
? Preferential treatment for certain content providers.
? Modification of content.
? Carriage-related issues.

Specifically, he referred to "a review of limitations on which devices can be connected to the networks of different providers" and "disclosure by ISPs to ensure transparency in service agreements with consumers." The latter would cover issues such as network management and speed, he said.

"And there are also privacy concerns," he added. "In the coming year, we will continue to study the issues surrounding net neutrality. This process could evolve into a major public consultation in order to obtain the views of interested parties. It is one of the polarizing issues of the day. It will have to be addressed and debated by all of us."

Also, responding to a request by the Canadian Association of Internet Providers, the CRTC called on Bell to publicly disclose information pertaining to the "throttling" of internet traffic.

Internet law expert Michael Geist said von Finckenstein has put all the issues on the table, including shaping, blocking, preferential treatment, open access and transparency, while raising the prospect of a major public consultation on the issue. "This could represent a major step toward addressing the Canadian net neutrality concerns," Geist said. NUPGE