New hearing in the fall
GATINEAU – The CRTC is calling for comments into differential pricing practices related to Internet and wireless data plans in a review that will include a public hearing starting on October 31, 2016.
Differential pricing occurs when the same or a similar product or service is offered to customers at different prices, such as when an ISP exempts a music or video streaming service from data charges.
The Commission said Wednesday that it was prompted to examine the issue in light of complaints over Videotron’s Unlimited Music service, which exempts music streaming services like Google Play, Stingray and Spotify from data caps under certain mobile plans. Comments about Videotron’s Unlimited Music service will be added to the public record of this consultation, and the CRTC said that it will rule on the Unlimited Music service on the basis of the broader record on differential pricing practices.
The CRTC wants Canadians to respond to the following questions:
- How should differential pricing practices be defined in relation to the provision of Internet data plans over wireline and wireless networks?
- What are the benefits and concerns about these practices, and do these concerns outweigh the benefits as to justify regulatory intervention?
- What regulatory measures, if any, should the CRTC implement?
Comments will be accepted until June 17, 2016 by completing an online form, writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, ON K1A ON2, or by sending a fax to 819-994-0218.
“Differential pricing is emerging in Canada and elsewhere as a more common practice. Service providers appear to be attempting to distinguish their services and attract customers through such practices”, said CRTC chairman and CEO Jean-Pierre Blais, in a statement. “This consultation will enable us to better understand the potential benefits and risks to consumers, application providers and Internet service providers. Our aim is to develop a clear and transparent regulatory approach that will provide certainty. The CRTC, like other regulatory agencies in other jurisdictions, continues to be concerned about the impact of such practices on net neutrality.”
