TORONTO –The federal government has altered the CRTC’s VoIP decision, calling on the commission to refrain from economic regulation of certain Voice-over-Internet Protocol services.
"Canada’s telecommunications landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, and it’s time for our regulatory approach to evolve as well," said Industry Minister Maxime Bernier. "A more competitive environment will translate into greater choice, newer products and better services for the Canadian consumer."
Earlier this year, the Governor in Council had referred Telecom Decision CRTC 2005-28, Regulatory Framework for Voice Communications Services Using Internet Protocol, back to the CRTC for reconsideration. This decision was re-examined in light of the increased demand for VoIP services, recent changes to the regulatory environment and the recommendations of the Telecommunications Policy Review Panel. In its reconsideration, the CRTC confirmed its original decision.
In June of this year, Bernier had tabled a proposed policy direction to the CRTC, signalling the government’s intention to direct the CRTC to rely on market forces to the maximum extent feasible under the Telecommunications Act and regulate only when necessary.
"The government’s variance of the CRTC’s decisions is another step towards deregulation and is consistent with the proposed policy direction we introduced this year," said Bernier. "Our goal is to reshape telecommunications policy so that it supports an internationally competitive and robust telecommunications industry here in Canada."
