OTTAWA – The Federal Cabinet has missed “an important opportunity to promote competition and innovation in Canada”, according to MTS Allstream.
By refusing to vary the CRTC’s "essential facilities" decision as it relates to local broadband network inputs, MTS Allstream said the Federal Government has “ignored the clear concerns” of thousands of Canadian consumers and businesses.
“This decision is a setback for Canadian consumers and businesses”, said CCO Chris Peirce, in a statement. “By refusing to act immediately to provide reasonable access to essential broadband network components, the Federal Government has further delayed vigorous competition in broadband and has stepped back from its promise to promote Canadian leadership in the digital economy."
As Cartt.ca readers will recall, MTS Allstream spearheaded an initiative called ‘Campaign for Competitive Broadband’ aimed at overturning the CRTC’s decision on broadband competition. The company argued that network facilities built over decades by regulated monopolies operating under guaranteed rates of return must be more accessible to a wide range of competitors who want to offer choice in services to businesses and consumers. An Order In Council issued Friday decided against overturning or varying the decision.
"The CRTC has the opportunity to rectify this situation through a new competitive framework”, Peirce continued. “We look forward to participating in the CRTC proceeding where the market realities and demands of Canadians and Canadian businesses should result in a regulatory framework that promotes competition and innovation."
