GATINEAU – More than five years after the CRTC issued its deferral accounts decision, some 287 rural and remote communities in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec now have access to broadband Internet services.
Under a plan approved by the Commission in 2010, Bell Canada, MTS Allstream and Telus spent $422 million on broadband expansion to rural and remote communities using technologies such as digital subscriber line, fixed wireless and high-speed packet access. Bell connected 112 communities and MTS connected 16 in 2014. Telus finalized its expansion to 159 communities in December 2015.
“We are pleased that three of Canada’s largest telecommunications providers have finally completed their broadband rollout. This process began a number of years ago, so it’s gratifying to see its completion”, said CRTC chairman Jean-Pierre Blais, in a statement. “The road to this outcome has not been easy. Our decision has helped ensure that more Canadians living in rural and remote communities now have access to broadband Internet, which enables them to participate actively in the digital economy.”
The CRTC said that the completion of this work coincides with its review of basic telecommunication services which kicked off in April of 2015. The Commission said Friday that it has received over 25,000 responses to its online questionnaire launched in January as part the second phase of this review.
“Clearly, this issue is important to Canadians. There is still time to participate in our discussion on the future of telecommunications services”, added Blais. “Fill out the questionnaire and let us know which services you rely upon to meet your everyday needs and to participate in the digital economy.”
Canadians have until Monday, February 29 to to complete the brief questionnaire and share their views on the telecommunications services available in their region. Those who cannot access the questionnaire online may call 1-877-249-2782 to fill it out over the phone with an agent or to request a paper copy, or, may send a fax to 819-994-0218 to request a copy to complete and send back.
In addition, the CRTC is conducting focus groups in small communities where a large percentage of the population is either underserved or unserved by modern telecommunications services.
The public hearing on these issues is scheduled to begin on April 11, 2016 in Gatineau.
