CRTC investigation prompts Rogers to stop slowing down Internet traffic

OTTAWA-GATINEAU, QC, June 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) closed its investigation into Rogers Communications' Internet traffic management practices. The CRTC is satisfied that Rogers has addressed its concerns regarding the company's practice of slowing down certain types of Internet traffic.

The CRTC reviewed a complaint from the Canadian Gamers Organization. Once an enforcement action was launched, Rogers cooperated and changed its traffic-management practice. The company then announced that its traffic shaping policy would be phased out for all customers by December 2012.

"We are committed to ensuring that Canadians receive good value for the money they spend on communications services," said Andrea Rosen, the CRTC's Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer. "Canadians voiced their concerns about certain traffic-management practices and we have acted upon them. Our enforcement efforts are helping to bring about more reliable Internet services for consumers."

Under the CRTC's policy, Internet service providers (ISPs) are encouraged to invest in their networks to address increases in online traffic. Should other measures be required, ISPs can apply certain traffic-management practices to prevent or respond to network congestion. In either case, an ISP must tell their customers in advance if they intend to use these practices.

The CRTC takes all complaints seriously and has established an enforcement process to ensure their timely resolution.

The CRTC

The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.

CRTC letter to Rogers Communications, June 28^, 2012
(http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2012/lt120628.htm)

Reference documents:

CRTC letter to Rogers Communications, February 29, 2012
(http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2012/lt120229.htm)
CRTC letter to Rogers Communications, January 20, 2012
(http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2012/lt120120.htm)
News release, "CRTC improves complaints resolution process for Internet traffic management practices," September 22, 2011
(http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/com100/2011/r110922.htm)
How to make a complaint about your Internet service
(http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/info_sht/t1043.htm)

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