CRTC to hold public hearing to review the structure and mandate of the Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services

OTTAWA and GATINEAU, QC, June 4, 2015 /CNW/ - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today launched a public consultation to review the structure and mandate of the Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services(CCTS) as well as the mandatory participation of telecommunications service providers. This consultation will include a public hearing beginning on November 3, 2015, in the National Capital Region.

The CCTS is presently working with Canadians to resolve complaints relating to wireless, Internet and telephone services, in addition to administering the CRTC's wireless code.

As part of this consultation, the CRTC will also consider the role of the CCTS as administrator of the Television Service Provider Code of Conduct. Since Canadians are increasingly obtaining their various communication services from the same company through bundled offerings, the CRTC is proposing that Canadians be able to direct their complaints relating to the code to the CCTS.

To ensure that Canadians take full advantage of the services of this ombudsman, the CRTC must, among other things, determine whether participation in the CCTS should be mandatory for all television service providers.

For the CCTS to be effective, Canadians must be aware of its existence and the assistance that it can provide them. As such, the CRTC will examine whether changes to the CCTS's approach are necessary to promote itself and raise public awareness of its existence to ensure Canadians can make the most of this agency.

The CRTC is welcoming comments until August 4, 2015. Canadians can participate by:

• filling out the online form;
• writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N2; or
• sending a fax, at 819-994-0218.

For more information on how to participate in a CRTC consultation, please see: It's Your CRTC: Here's How to Have Your Say!

Quick facts

• The CRTC will hold a public hearing beginning on November 3, 2015, in Gatineau, to review the structure and mandate of the CCTS, as well as the mandatory participation of telecommunications service providers.
• The CRTC will also consider the role of the CCTS as administrator of the Television Service Provider Code of Conduct.
• The CRTC will examine whether changes to the CCTS's approach are needed to promote itself and raise public awareness of its existence.
• The CRTC is welcoming comments until August 4, 2015.

Quote

"The communication marketplace is becoming increasingly dynamic and competitive. An independent organization like the Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services plays a pivotal role by helpingCanadians resolve their complaints regarding their services. We want to ensure that the mandate and structure of this ombudsman remains appropriate in light of the current realities of the communication marketplace."

Jean-Pierre Blais, CRTC Chairman

Related links

Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2015-xx

Broadcasting Regulatory Policy CRTC 2015-104

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2015-105

Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services

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SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

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