CRTC Reveals Decision: We Will Not Implement Usage-Based Billing
The CRTC has released its landmark decision on usage-based billing. The national regulator has determined that internet metering is not an appropriate system to implement at this time.
The decision should allow independent internet service providers to continue offering unlimited data to consumers but major telcos will retain their 96% control of Canada's internet service market, despite complaints to Commissioner for Complaints to Telecommunications Services doubling in 2011.
Instead of adopting Bell's suggested UBB model, the CRTC opted for two different billing methods: major telcos can charge either a flat rate to wholesale customers or sell a specific amount of capacity on their networks to the resellers.
On a global scale, Canada is caught somewhere between a true oligopoly and a freely competitive market, leaving prices in the middle-to-high end of the spectrum and keeping customer options limited.
OpenMedia is urging all Canadians who can switch to ISPs do just that. "It’s time to fix our broken telecom market for good," said executive director Steve Anderson. "A first step is for Canadians to move to independent providers."
