The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission's (CRTC) Dec. 21 designation of broadband Internet access as a basic telecommunications service for all Canadians is being welcomed by those who represent residents of remote Northern Manitoba communities and First Nations but they aren't necessarily holding their breath in anticipation of blazing fast Internet speeds.
The CRTC's Dec. 21 announcement stipulated that Internet service providers should strive to provide speeds of 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download speeds and 10 Mbps upload speeds for fixed broadband Internet access and offer an unlimited data option, as well as ensuring that the latest mobile wireless technology is available not only in homes and businesses but also along major roads in the country. To support this, the CRTC is establishing a fund that will provide up to $750 million over the first five years towards projects to expand broadband Internet infrastructure, particularly to underserved areas. The CRTC also wants service providers to ensure with the next six months that their service contracts are written in clear and plain language and make online tools available for consumers to manage their data usage.
“Access to broadband Internet service is vital and a basic telecommunication service all Canadians are entitled to receive," said CRTC chairman and CEO Jean-Pierre Blais in a news release. "Canadians who participated during our process told us that no matter where they live or work in our vast country — whether in a small town in northern Yukon, a rural area of eastern Quebec or in downtown Calgary — everyone needs access to high-quality fixed Internet and mobile services. We are doing our part to bring broadband services to rural and remote communities. The availability of broadband Internet, however, is an issue that can’t be solved by the CRTC alone. All players in the Canadian communications landscape will need to do their part to ensure Canadians have access to the services they need to participate in the digital economy. All levels of government must address gaps in digital literacy. Affordability concerns are best addressed by the emergence of a dynamic market place where service providers compete on price for telecommunication services, in conjunction with social responsibility programs of telecommunications carriers and different levels of government. High quality and reliable digital connectivity is essential for the quality of life of Canadians and Canada’s economic prosperity.”
Lynn Lake Mayor James Lindsay told the Nickel Belt News that he doesn't expect communities like his, which is literally located at the end of the road in northwest Manitoba, will see much improvement in their Internet speeds within the next decade.
"I believe MTS will have to make some multi-million dollar investments to both rural and remote areas of Manitoba, and will be prioritizing their larger markets first," Lindsay said. "After many years of asking MTS to address the needs of our residents and improve their telecommunication infrastructure here, we remain largely disappointed with their lack of progress. The only thing that our lobbying has been able to achieve is a $10/month discount for their 'Lightning' Speed DSL Internet Package for their customers in Lynn Lake. As the CRTC has given telecom companies in Canada direction to make these improvements in service quality a very broad timeline of 10 to 15 years, we don't anticipate much in the way of service improvement in the near future. Speaking as a consumer and private citizen, when I consider the infrastructure improvements that delivering such vast improvements will require, I will be happily surprised if they can meet that time line without public investment in their upgrades."
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Grand Chief Sheila North Wilson said in a Dec. 22 press release that MKO First Nations welcome the CRTC decision.
"“MKO was an active intervenor in the CRTC hearings, through our partnership with the Manitoba Public Interest Law Centre, on the kinds of basic telecommunications services Canadians need to participate in the ‘digital economy’ and on the role the CRTC should take in ensuring basic telecom services are available, including to rural and remote communities. MKO was a strong advocate before the CRTC of the existing and growing importance of high-speed broadband Internet to rural, remote and northern First Nations,” said North Wilson. “MKO told the CRTC that, even with the significant limitations in existing services, the Internet is already essential to the MKO First Nations through the growing use of social media to communicate with both friends and family and to share information. As well, governments are increasingly moving to make access to services and to the essential information about these services available mainly through the Internet. Very few of the MKO First Nations have the Internet services mandated through the CRTC’s Basic Service Standard. The CRTC’s ruling will promote development of northern technology infrastructure and help to address gaps in health, education and social services as well as encourage innovation and excellence in governance and economic development. MKO will closely follow the rollout of the CRTC’s decision, including the new $750 million fund to expand broadband internet services to rural and remote areas. MKO is committed to work with both levels of government and the private sector to ensure that none of the MKO First Nations are left out as the industry and governments implement the new Internet Basic Service Standards over the deadlines mandated by the CRTC."
