CRTC Head Delays Usage-Based Billing for at Least 60 Daysâ

[nsane.forums]

Konrad von Finckenstein, Chairman of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) delays decision allowing Bell Canada to implement usage-based billing for its Gateway Access Services (GAS) customers, but cites nearly two-year-old data that reports average monthly consumption of 15.4GB to claim that "most users therefore fall well within the caps currently set by the Large Distributors."

Konrad von Finckenstein, Chairman of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), was asked to testify before the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology recently and defend its approval of Bell Canada's request to implement usage-based billing for its Gateway Access Services (GAS) customers.

"I recognize that the members of this Committee, as well as Canadians, are concerned about our decisions regarding usage-based billing for Internet services," he said. I'm pleased to have this opportunity clarify the CRTC's position in the very public debate over Internet services and to clear up a few misconceptions."

The concerns arose in earnest after ISPs began rolling out higher prices, reduced connection speeds, and data caps for all. In the case of TekSavvy, customers saw their monthly data caps plummet from 200GB to 25GB, and is one of the reasons why Canada's Minister of Industry, Tony Clement, decided to formally review CRTC's decision.

Finckenstein repeatedly emphasizes the importance of ISP competition and the need for allowing market forces to create a "competitive and dynamic industry," but admits its dominated by a duopoly split between large telephone and cable companies.

It's because of this that in practical terms consumers can't very well shop around for an ISP that best suits their needs.

But, the most curious part is his comparison of Internet services to other public utilities.

"All ISPs advertise their rates, bandwidth caps and the additional usage charges that apply," he adds. "Consumers can shop around for the plan that best meet their needs. Internet services are now sold like other public utilities, such as water, gas and electricity."

The problem with the comparison is that bandwidth is a constant stream that doesn't disappear like water, gas, or electricity. It's a vital service to be sure, but it's not like you get a refund for any unused bandwidth each month.

Worse still, the CRTC used two-year-old data to define what a heavy user is.

"As we reported in our most recent Communications Monitoring Report, Canadians used on average 15.4 gigabits per month in 2009," said Finckenstein. Most users therefore fall well within the caps currently set by the Large Distributors and would not be charged more unless their monthly usage increased dramatically."

I think it's safe to say that data consumption has risen dramatically since them, especially with the rise in streaming video services like Netflix.

"We are convinced that Internet services are no different than other public utilities, and the vast majority of Internet users should not be asked to subsidize a small minority of heavy users," he continues. "For us, it is a question of fundamental fairness. Let me restate: ordinary users should not be forced to subsidize heavy users."

If 25GB p/mo is the new definition of a "heavy user" then all Canadians are in trouble.

Finckenstein says that he's decided to delay implementation of UBB for wholesale customers "by at least 60 days," though an unnamed senior Conservative government official said last week that Prime Minister Harper and the Minister of Industry plan to "reverse this decision unless the CRTC does it itself."

View: Original Article

[oZ.]

May 1st

soo Canadians, UBB will be implement and for those who does any video streaming, audio streaming, video chat, VOIP, online gaming, and online content distribution systems.

Will have to say bye bye to those activities. :frusty:

Conclusion, conversation (very stupid in modern society) government simply suck