Over 25,000 Canadians complete questionnaire on the future of broadband

The deadline to participate is February 29

GATINEAU, QC, Feb. 26, 2016 /CNW/ - Canadians have shown they care about the future of broadband: the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has received over 25,000 responses to its questionnaire on telecommunications services.

The CRTC is currently reviewing the telecommunications services, including broadband Internet services, offered across the country. Canadians are invited to share their views on topics such as broadband availability, how they communicate and service pricing by filling out a simple questionnaire.

As it is important to hear from Canadians throughout the nation on these topics, the CRTC is using both online and more traditional methods to facilitate people's participation, even from individuals who are not online.

Canadians who cannot access the questionnaire online may call 1-877-249-CRTC (2782) to fill it out over the phone with an agent or to request a paper copy. (A prepaid return envelope will be supplied.) Canadians may also send a fax to 819-994-0218 to request a copy to complete and send back. The responses to the questionnaire (online, phone, fax or mail) must be completed and received by the CRTC by February 29, 2016.

Quick Facts

• The CRTC initiated a review of basic telecommunications services in April 2015.
• The CRTC is reviewing the telecommunications services available in Canada in order to be in step with Canadians' current and future needs.
• Currently, basic telecommunications services include:
  • capability to connect to the Internet via low-speed data transmission at local rates;
  • individual line local touch-tone service;
  • 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.
• Canadians are invited to fill out a questionnaire to help the CRTC shape the future of telecommunications services in Canada.
• The CRTC is also conducting focus groups in small communities across Canada where a large percentage of the population is underserved or unserved by modern telecommunications services.
• The CRTC received nearly 10,000 responses in the first 24 hours after making the questionnaire available on Thursday, January 14.
• The CRTC has not made any decision regarding possible outcomes of this process.
• The CRTC is holding a public hearing on these issues starting April 11, 2016 in Gatineau, Québec.

Quote
"Clearly, this issue is important to Canadians. There is still time to participate in our discussion on the future of telecommunications services. Fill out the questionnaire and let us know which services you rely upon to meet your everyday needs and to participate in the digital economy."

- Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman and CEO, CRTC

Associated Links
Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2015-134 - Review of basic telecommunications services 
Questionnaire   
Let's Talk Broadband Internet! Web page   
Have your say! CRTC Video

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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]