In the past, without clear and binding instructions to promote affordability, choice, and competition, the CRTC has made decisions that plainly prioritized the input of incumbents over the needs of ordinary people in Canada. [...] STRENGTHENING THE PROPOSED CRTC POLICY DIRECTION Policy Direction Will Fail if it Remains Nonspecific and Unenforceable The proposed direction to the CRTC to defend consumer interests and deliver increased competition and affordability is long overdue. [...] Now, close to 5,000 members of the OpenMedia community have told Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED) in their individual submissions to this consultation that there must be no room for the new directive to fail or be misunderstood.21 Unfortunately, as proposed, the direction is vague and lacks any mechanism to evaluate how the CRTC follows through. [...] Instead of establishing concrete methods to hold the CRTC accountable from the outset, the proposed direction contents itself with indicating that the Commission must do more to make competition and affordability a priority.22 History demonstrates why this sets up the policy direction for failure; in the past, without clear and binding instructions to promote affordability, choice, and competition. [...] Their 2021 wholesale rates decision led to 19 Order Issuing a Direction to the CRTC on a Renewed Approach to Telecommunications Policy: Approach to Consumer Matters - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada 20 Order Issuing a Direction to the CRTC on a Renewed Approach to Telecommunications Policy: Considerations for Fixed Internet Competition - Innovation, Science and Economic Develop.
- Pages
- 12
- Published in
- Canada
