MONTREAL – Fighting for their survival in a converged telecommunications world, two groups of independent Internet service providers have pledged to work together "to protect consumer choice," they say.
The Quebec Coalition of ISPs (QCISP) and British Columbia coalition Open Source Solutions (OSS) recently announced a strategic alliance to enhance their coordination of actions in front of various tribunals, especially the CRTC when it comes to issues like access to cable plant and to "naked" or "dark DSL" from the phone companies.
“This national project will provide a solid basis as we work forward leveling the playing field for all Internet service providers across Canada. Rather than working separately and voicing similar issues, we are happy to work with our industry peers from the East to improve our visibility and viability”, said Chris Allen, director of Internet Services for ABC Communications and spokesperson for Open Source Solutions.
“The Internet industry’s future and consumer’s options for tomorrow are being established very quickly. Consumers and the industry at large will benefit by ensuring we develop a sustainable competitive market environment across Canada”, added Sophie Léger, spokesperson for the Coalition, COO of Uniserve Communications Corporation and president of Inter.net Canada.
The QCISP and OSS will jointly be supporting each other’s initiatives on a national platform. This alliance will streamline the efforts of regional actions, such as the QCISP’s formal complaint recently filed with the CRTC to protect independent providers in Eastern Canada against margin squeezes and restricted access to products.
Open Source Solutions is a group of nine independent ISPs from B.C. who came together to encourage the provisioning of an innovative and affordable telecommunications infrastructure within B.C.
The Quebec Coalition of ISPs (QCISP) represents 15 independent Internet Service providers across Quebec advocating for fair practices in the Internet wholesale industry.
Together the Coalitions represent over 200 000 consumers across Canada.
