CRTC unveils map of broadband services in Canada

Public hearing on basic telecommunications services starts next Monday

GATINEAU, QC, April 6, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has unveiled a new map that enables Canadians to see where broadband Internet services and the technologies used to provide them are available.

The map is being made available before the public hearing on basic telecommunications services which starts next Monday, April 11.

It shows the availability of broadband Internet services at or above the CRTC's target speeds of 5 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 1 Mbps for uploads as of end of 2014.

The information used to build the online map was drawn from various sources, including information provided by Internet service providers as part of the CRTC's consultation. It gives a general view of Internet service availability and it is meant to provide context to the discussions that will take place during the hearing.

As of next Monday, Canadians will be able to watch the proceeding online via the Canadian Public Affairs Channel's website or listen to the audio feed on the CRTC's website.

Canadians will also be able to provide their opinions throughout the proceeding by participating in an online discussion forum that will be open from 9 am EDT April 11 until 8 pm EDT April 28.

The hearing is the third phase of Let's #TalkBroadband Internet, the CRTC's consultation on basic telecommunications services, which began in April 2015.

Quick Facts

• The CRTC has unveiled a new map that enables Canadians to see where broadband Internet services and the technologies used to provide them are available.
• The CRTC is holding a public hearing on basic telecommunications services starting April 11 and ending April 28 in the National Capital Region.
• The CRTC is reviewing telecommunications services in order to be in step with Canadians' current and future needs.
• Currently, basic telecommunications services include:
  • individual line local touch-tone service;
  • capability to connect to the Internet via low-speed data transmission at local rates;
  • access to the long distance network, operator/directory assistance services, enhanced calling features and privacy protection features, emergency services, voice message relay service; and
  • a printed copy of the current local telephone directory upon request.
• The CRTC's current policy was established in 1999 and reviewed in 2011 at which time the CRTC's broadband Internet target speeds were established.
• The CRTC has not made any decisions regarding possible outcomes of this process.

Associated Links

• Map of broadband services
• Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2015-134 - Review of basic telecommunications services
• Let's Talk Broadband Internet! Web page
• News release: The CRTC wants to talk about broadband Internet with Canadians!
• News release: CRTC initiates review of basic telecommunications services for all Canadians

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SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

Contacts: Media Relations, [phone]; General Inquiries, [phone]; Toll-free 1 (877) 249-CRTC (2782), TTY [phone]