GATINEAU – As the CRTC kicked off its public hearing into basic telecommunications services Monday, it reiterated its call for public feedback.
Canadians are encouraged to provide their opinions by participating throughout the hearing in an online discussion forum that will be open until 8:00 PM EST on April 28. While watching the hearing online on the Cable Public Affairs Channel’s website or listening to the audio feed on the CRTC’s website, Canadians may also comment in real-time on issues raised throughout the hearing.
Currently, basic telecommunications services include individual line local touch-tone service; capability to connect to the Internet via low-speed data transmission at local rates; access to the long distance network, operator/directory assistance services, enhanced calling features and privacy protection features, emergency services, voice message relay service; and a printed copy of the current local telephone directory upon request.
The CRTC’s current policy was established in 1999 and reviewed in 2011 at which time the CRTC’s broadband Internet target speeds were established.
“Today, we are starting a three-week hearing to examine the basic telecommunications services that Canadians need to participate in the digital economy”, said CRTC chairman and CEO Jean-Pierre Blais, in a statement. “This will be an opportunity for the CRTC to test, challenge and validate the evidence that has been put on the public record. Even if they cannot attend or appear at our hearing, we invite Canadians, including those who follow us on social media, to participate in these discussions through our online forum. This is a way to ensure their views are taken into account as part of our evidence-based process.”
