Update 1: Tony Clement tweeted he would overturn the CRTC decision via twitter:
Whoa. You’ll be happy to hear this. News just broke from the Toronto Star that Ottawa has decided to reverse the CRTC decision for User-Based Billing (UBB) for internet (take a look at Canada vs The World)! Looks like the ‘tribe’ has spoken.
“The CRTC should be under no illusion — the Prime Minister and minister of Industry will reverse this decision unless the CRTC does it itself,†a senior Conservative government official said Wednesday.
“If they don’t reconsider we will reverse their decision.â€
The promise to reverse the ruling comes as CRTC Chair Konrad von Finckenstein is scheduled to explain the decision Thursday before the House of Commons industry committee.
While the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission is an independent agency, its decision can be overturned by cabinet. The Star was told that could happen as early as next week.
Now those are some strong words. Here’s more, from Industry Minister Tony Clement:
The CRTC decision has sparked outrage across the country with Canadians rushing to sign petitions asking the Conservative government to reverse it. Industry Minister Tony Clement has received tens of thousands of emails requesting that it be struck down.
“Frankly, a decision like this is clearly not in the best interest of consumers,†the senior official said.
“This is a bread-and-butter issue.â€
Looks like 357,700 signatures at StoptheMeter.ca has opened the eyes of the Federal government. Now isn’t that interesting. Canadians banding together, and making a difference. Politicians squirm in their seats when they know votes are at stake. Eureka!
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Canada failed at trying to make more money. Move along people
Does this mean we should expect our phone bills lowered? Sorry for the stupid question lol
No.
Expect nothing to change. The way things are now will be the way things remain.
this means becoming a web developer/programmer won’t become such an expensive profession lol.
good because I was very angry and did sign the petition. see people when we bond together we make a difference!.
Now we should do something about our Cell companies and their 3 years contracts that is the only country in the world to do so and 2 years hardware upgrades and ridicules monthly pricing!
Sweet I’m glad that someone has sense to see that.
Now we need to see what the big guys say about this!
I hope the Feds do not grant the CRTC the option of introducing a similar (LPIF) tax on customers’ monthly internet bills as they did on cable tv/satellite services.
This CanCon gravy train must come to a halt. I do not wish to be double-taxed for the same thing. Seems like the ISP’s want their “money for nothing.”
And by the way, CRTC, why am I not able to watch ESPN legally in Canada? Why does this government board have the authority to censor American media as it sees fit?
Good job Gary. I’ve been following this issue not in the papers, but with your site. The success of the petition is due to people like you.
Thank god, it opens the way for internet tv and steaming, to a point. The meter was a way for the big companies to make sure you watch their content, on their systems.
It’s not over yet. The decision has been reversed which just means we’re back to “no decision has been made”. This is a HUGE STEP in the right decision but we need a decision to be made… They could still make a decision that’s more forgiving to indie ISP’s which would still be bad for the internet and consumers. We need a decision that bans UBB all together. We pay a flat fee (set by ISP’s) for a pipe size (also set by ISP’s) and we don’t want the ISP’s telling us what nor how much we can push through that pipe.
The CRTC must be on crack!
I’m not a fan of the current federal gov’t, but it’s good to see that once in while they get their act together and make policy to reverse some stupid decisions, the UBB decision being one of them.
It’s good to know that our voices are being heard! Though it’s probably not completely over, this is still something to be happy about, and it just means that we will all need to band together again, probably in larger numbers!
Hey rolf you make me feel like rolfing on you. With comments like that here’s my only possible response GET BENT ISP FANBOI!!
No, politicians don’t squirm. Utter Propaganda.
Minor Victory – Let’s not start pleasuring each other yet.
No, politicians don’t squirm. Utter Propaganda.
Minor Victory – Let’s not start pleasuring each other yet.
No, politicians don’t squirm. Utter Propaganda.
Minor Victory – Let’s not start pleasuring each other yet.
No, politicians don’t squirm. Utter Propaganda.
Minor Victory – Let’s not start pleasuring each other yet.
No, politicians don’t squirm. Utter Propaganda.
Minor Victory – Let’s not start pleasuring each other yet.