CRTC to rule on whether internet is an essential service

[inanna]

Posted: Dec 21, 2016 10:17 AM ET

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission is set to rule today on whether broadband internet access should be deemed an essential service.

The broadcast regulator will determine if Canadians should have access to high-speed internet no matter where you live in the country.

The key question for the CRTC is whether in a modern, digital economy, the internet should be considered a basic service that's essential for everyday life, much like the landline telephone was once.

<snip>

Today's decision could include a broadband strategy that could determine minimum internet speeds and who should fund services.

David Christopher of Open Media says the ruling could be groundbreaking.

...

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/crtc-internet-essential-service-1.3906664?cmp=rss

Most jobs are now advertised online. Most employers now expect the application process to occur online. I'd say that makes the internet essential for most people.

[riverbendviewgal]

1. It is essential

Kick and rec

[Fix The Stupid]

2. Yep, I'm one of those - still on dial-up

All we can get where I live. I don't even live in the 'boonies' per se...

3 major towns within 15 minutes of me...

And all I can get is 4.5kps download speed on dial-up.

Xplorenet (Satellite) sounds like a scam...they throttle the speeds from 7:00am to 1:00am, contsant drops, etc. "Garbage" is what my neighbour said about them when he tried it...

I refuse to use anything from Rogers, so the rocket hub is out, plus it is crazy expensive...

Something needs to be done - it's 2017...