This is a test of the Wordpress app for the Apple iPad. Perhaps this device is what will get me writing entries again?

On December 11, 2008, the CRTC passed a resolution allowing the deregulation of Canada’s telecommunications networks. Prior to this resolution Bell and Telus were mandated to allow competitors access to their network at prices that were regulated by the CRTC. The competitors were then able to provide telephone and internet services to the same areas that the incumbent telcos serviced by “renting” the lines from the incumbent telcos. It might sound a bit unfair – after all, competitors were then able to provide the same services as the incumbents without having to invest billons of dollars into network infrastructure. If the networks were built out using corporate re-investments or private investment funds, it would be easy to side with the telcos. But long story short, the networks built by Bell and Telus were built with taxpayer subsidies. The government ensured that these companies were successful in return for building a national telecommunications network that would service their citizens.

The enforced competitor access at fixed prices all stems from the source of funding for the networks. The government allowed a monopoly to be created, so they allowed competitors access to the monopoly-holder’s network to even things up a bit. The CRTC’s decision last December allows the incumbent telcos to set whatever prices they want for competitor access. As any company with any business sense would do, Bell and Telus will use this opportunity to push competitor rates for access to their network sky high. As the independent service providers die off because they cannot afford the access fees, Bell can raise prices for their own customers. After all, who are their customers going to switch to? When Bell decides not to replace aging infrastructure because it would be too costly and their customers suffer with slow speeds or service outages, customers will not have the option to “vote with their wallet” and leave for another company.

If this decision is not reversed, independent internet service providers and telcos will be forced out of business in a matter of months. In a country where we already pay more than other developed countries for fewer/slower services, we will find ourselves with unaffordable internet access that will never increase in speed or service quality. Our telephone and internet services will be regulated by a corporation, not our government. When the bottom line is profits, you can bet it won’t be the consumer who benefits.

I wrote to my MP, John McCallum (MP for Markham-Unionville) last week regarding the issue, and asked him what his position on the issue was, and what he was going to do to help reverse the decision. I am sad to say that Mr. McCallum responded to tell me that while he supported net neutrality, he felt that a network built by a company, and not the government, should be regulated by that company. The letter was written as if he understood the issue, but I have to question if Mr. McCallum actually knows the background here. So, Mr. McCallum, I’m calling you out. If your position is that a private network should be regulated privately, then how can you allow the networks that were built with our taxes to be regulated in the same fashion? Why do the taxpayers not get a say in a decision that will ultimately affect them so very negatively? How can the government pour dollar after dollar into a project and then refuse to ensure that project benefits their citizens?

I urge everyone to get involved with this issue. Write your local MP. write Stephen Harper, write the opposition leader and write industry minister Tony Clement. Write anyone you can who will pay attention. Check out CompetitiveBroadband.com for more ways to get involved. Do anything to get the word out – If you don’t, you may find your communication services are the next items on the chopping block when it’s time to cut back.

Nothing to see here yet! Sorry, I just don’t have the time. I should soon though. Check back often, you never know what might show up.