The CRTC has declared broadband internet is a basic service.
The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission made the announcement and also set some targets for Internet Service Providers.
ISPs will have to offer an unlimited data option to their customers as well as ensuring download speeds of fifty megabits per second and upload speeds of ten megabits per second.
#CRTC declares that broadband access Internet service is now considered a basic telecommunications service #TalkBroadband pic.twitter.com/pfqlefPzIU
— CRTCeng (@CRTCeng) December 21, 2016
South Shore-St.Margaret’s MP Bernadette Jordan welcomes the announcement.
“Well I was pretty happy with it. Saying that internet is a basic service is going to be a huge win for rural and remote communities.” says Jordan. “I’m a member of the rural caucus. Every meeting we’ve had it’s been, ‘We need better internet connection.’ This is something that, in this riding I have heard literally almost every day since I’ve been elected.”
The CRTC is also establishing a $750 million dollar fund which providers can use to make the necessary infrastructure upgrades.
CRTC Chairman Jean-Pierre Blais says broadband internet is a vital service that all Canadians are entitled to receive.
The CRTC is calling on industry to meet this standard in 90% of Canadian homes by 2021 and gives fifteen years to connect the rest.
The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission made the announcement and also set some targets for Internet Service Providers.
