Why changes to funding and spectrum is needed for rural broadband providers

By Perry Hoffman

OTTAWA – Groups representing rural and remote broadband providers lauded the federal government for efforts to improve broadband connectivity in rural Canada in a Parliamentary committee on Tuesday. But they added that the government needs to adopt new rules that are more appropriate for smaller providers.One of the big issues, particularly related to the Connect to Innovate (CTI) program, is the complex nature of the application and the extensive reporting requirements. Jay Thomson, CEO of the Canadian Cable Systems Alliance (CCSA), told the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology that a simplified application and reporting process...