GATINEAU – The CRTC wants to hear which telecom services that Canadians consider necessary, what they rely on most, and whether the cost of those services should be standardized across the country.
The Commission kicked off the second phase of its review of basic telecommunications services Thursday by encouraging Canadians to complete a short questionnaire to share their views on the telecommunications services available in their region. Canadians who cannot access the questionnaire online may call 1-877-249-2782 to fill it out over the phone with an agent or to request a paper copy, or, may 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.
Those wishing to provide further views beyond the questionnaire may submit interventions on the issues and questions identified in the original notice of hearing by February 8. The public hearing on these issues is scheduled to begin on April 11, 2016 in Gatineau.
In addition, the CRTC pledged to conduct focus groups in small communities where a large percentage of the population is either underserved or unserved by modern telecommunications services.
“As we look to the future of Canada’s telecommunications needs, we are interested in hearing the views of Canadians from across the country, and especially those who do not have access to the technology they need in this digital era”, said CRTC chairman and CEO Jean-Pierre Blais, in a statement. “In order to fully participate in the digital economy, Canadians need reliable, affordable and modern telecommunications services. Wherever you live in Canada, from St. John’s to Prince Rupert to Moose Jaw to Iqaluit, we want to hear from you.”
The CRTC said that it has received more than 25,000 comments since opening the first phase of its review of basic telecommunications services last April.
