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Canada considers law requiring Facebook, Google to pay news publishers
Canada's Liberal Party has introduced legislation that would require Facebook, Google and others to pay news publishers for using their content.
Canada launches fund to guarantee faster broadband in rural areas
Canada's CRTC set an aggressive target for the minimum definition of broadband in rural areas, but now appears to have backed off a bit, at least to start. With the launch of the $750 million Broadband Fund, it has set the minimum speed at 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps uploads, exactly half the speed target of 50/10 Mbps it set earlier. The regulator said that the revised goals would "result in projects covering underserved areas that would deliver a broadband Internet access service that the majority of Canadians use today."
Canada strengthens net neutrality with zero-rating crackdown
In a victory for net neutrality, Canada's telecom regulator has ruled against a carrier offering 'free' music streaming as part of a zero-rating scheme. Quebecor's 'Unlimited Music' allows premium Videotron subscribers to use select streaming apps, such as Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal, without the data counting towards their monthly allowance. Many believe this type of scheme violates the principles of net neutrality, which argue all data should be treated equally. If certain apps are 'free' to use, others -- which could offer a superior experience, but simply don't have the cash to be involved in a carrier's program -- are put at an unfair disadvantage.
Canada sets aggressive targets for minimum broadband speeds
Canadian regulators have declared that all citizens should have access to high-speed internet, even in remote areas. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has ruled that minimum broadband speeds of 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speeds are now a "basic telecommunications service." Furthermore, it said all customers should have unlimited data options and not be capped, as they often are in rural areas.
CRTC to ask Canadians for help in adapting TV regulations to the internet era
The CRTC is eager to shake the cobwebs from Canada's TV regulations, many of which got their start before cable arrived, let alone Netflix or YouTube. Accordingly, it's planning a round of consultations in the fall that will ask both the public and the industry what rules they want to change. Chairman Jean-Pierre Blais expects the discussion to center around the CRTC's approach to internet content -- some of the old licensing restrictions might not apply when it's easier to both publish and watch online video. The agency isn't likely to create a utopia full of cord cutting and à la carte TV subscriptions, but its recent attempts at fixing a broken cellular market give us hope that at least a few broadcasting policies could change for the better.
CRTC wireless code lets Canadians cancel contracts after two years, caps excessive data fees
It's spent the past few months soliciting feedback from Canadian wireless users, and the CRTC has now announced the details of a new wireless code that it says "addresses the main frustrations that Canadians shared with the CRTC." At the top of that list is the length of cellphone contracts, which will now effectively be capped at two years -- carriers may still be able to offer longer terms, but you'll be able to cancel your contract after two years with no cancellation fees. The code also places some significant new caps on data fees: excess data charges will be capped at $50 per month, while international roaming charges will be capped at $100 per month. Beyond that, Canadians will now be able to get their phones unlocked after 90 days (or sooner if you've bought the device outright, although the actual unlocking fee isn't specified), and they'll be entitled to a 15-day trial period, during which they can return their phone and cancel their contract if they're unhappy with their service. The code also promises to enforce "plain language" in contracts -- ensuring, for instance, that you don't pay any extra charges for services described as "unlimited." Notably, however, the code doesn't immediately cover all current cellphone users. It only applies to new (or extended) contracts starting on December 2nd of this year. In the meantime, you can read up on all the finer details at the source link below.
Canadian government appoints Jean-Pierre Blais as new CRTC head
The past five years have certainly been an eventful time for the CRTC -- with broadband controversies and foreign ownership issues garnering plenty of headlines, to name just two examples -- and we now know who will be leading the Canadian regulatory agency for the next five. The Prime Minister's Office announced today that it has appointed longtime civil servant Jean-Pierre Blais as Chairperson, with his five-year term set to begin on June 18th. Blais comes primarily from a legal background, and has previously held positions at Canada's Treasury Board, the Department of Canadian Heritage, and the CRTC itself -- all of which Prime Minister Harper says makes him "well qualified" for the job, and gives him a "comprehensive understanding of the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors and the role of the CRTC." He replaces Konrad von Finckenstein, who's term ended in January, at which point the government indicated he would not be reappointed for a second term.
Bell Canada will stop throttling your P2P traffic, might charge instead
Since the CRTC took a swipe at net neutrality a few years back, Bell Canada internet customers have maligned its P2P packet-shaping ways. From March 1st, however, users can file-share at the speeds nature (or your ISP) intended. In a letter to the aforementioned regulator, Bell points out that improvements to its network and the proliferation of video streaming mean that the more nefarious traffic just isn't denting its capacity like it used to. As such, the firm will withdraw all P2P shaping for both residential and wholesale customers. So, those ISPs buying their bandwidth from Bell could see the amount they need go up, and with talk of a capacity-based billing model, this could mean charges passed on to users. At least, for now, all that legitimate sharing you do will go unhampered.
CRTC rules against traffic-based internet billing, touts 'flexibility' for small ISPs
Chalk one up for the little guy, because Canada's telecom regulator has finally come down in favor of independent ISPs -- ostensibly, at least. Earlier this week, the CRTC ruled that major providers will not be able to bill smaller operators based on bandwidth usage, effectively reversing a controversial policy it implemented (and eventually rescinded) back in February. Under the ruling, heavyweights like BCE and Rogers will be able to sell their bandwidth to smaller ISPs on a monthly basis, with rates pre-determined according to the network capacity each independent operator requires. Large companies can continue to charge flat monthly fees, as well, but they won't be allowed to impose the same traffic-based billing that many apply to individual consumers. The regulator explained the decision thusly: "This wholesale billing model, which is based on capacity, will give independent ISPs added flexibility in offering competitive and innovative services to Canadians." For more details, surf past the break for a dose of PR. [Image courtesy of Jeff Myers/Flickr]
CRTC won't regulate Netflix as a broadcaster in Canada
Netflix may be a streaming company, but that doesn't make it a broadcaster -- at least, not in Canada, and not according to the CRTC. Despite calls from existing broadcasters to the contrary, the agency today opted not to regulate Netflix and other so-called "over-the-top" services -- which would have, among other things, made them subject to the same Canadian content requirements that broadcasters must comply with. While it hasn't completely closed the door on changing its tune in the future, at the moment the CRTC says that there's no evidence the services are harming traditional broadcasters, and that regulating them could in fact discourage innovation and make it difficult for Canadian companies to compete outside of the country.
CRTC sets target of 5Mbps broadband for all Canadians by 2015
The FCC may be sticking with its target of 4Mbps broadband for everyone in the United States, but it looks like the CRTC thinks Canada can do one (megabit) better. The regulatory agency has just set its own target of 5Mbps download speeds and 1 Mbps upload speeds for all Canadians -- a goal that it says must be met by 2015. Those speeds, the agency notes, must be actual speeds not advertised ones, although it's not yet going as far as to declare internet access a basic service to ensure that happens. The CRTC says instead that it prefers to rely on "market forces" for the time being, rather than subsidies that would come with such a declaration. Of course, while 5Mbps is faster than the FCC's target, it's still well short of some of the more ambitious broadband goals of other countries around the world -- Finland, for instance, has already declared that 1Mbps broadband a legal right and is promising to bring 100Mbps speeds to everyone by 2015.
Netflix Canada announces new bandwidth management settings for capped users
The second bit of news for Canadian Netflixers in less than 24 hours deals with the other pressing issue facing the service in the Great White North: bandwidth caps. While they exist in the U.S., many Canadian ISPs have set the max amount of data allowed at much lower levels and they may cut further if a recent CRTC decision on usage-based billing stands. In response, starting today Netflix.ca accounts all have a new Manage Video Quality setting that lets users select Good / Better / Best bitrates as defaults for their video streams. According to CPO Neil Hunt's blog post, previously watching 30 hours of Netflix would typically consume up to 30GB of data, while now it can be as low as 9GB under the "Good" setting. Of course, dropping bitrate means lowering picture quality accordingly, despite promises that "the experience continues to be great." Even with HD and 5.1 audio available, PQ probably isn't your highest priority if you've turned to streaming, but it remains to be seen if customers find the compromise suitable, and whether a similar option comes to U.S. users facing similarly limited connections. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Rogers throttles World of Warcraft across Canada
If you play World of Warcraft in Canada and were wondering why your connection seemed a bit slow, it turns out there may be a good explanation: Rogers Communications has been deliberately throttling the game across the country. The telecommunications company has been trying to save on costs by slowing down internet speeds for customers who use various applications, such as Skype. Recently the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission conducted an inquiry that resulted in Rogers admitting that it targets WoW players by slowing down their connections while the game is being run. Rogers said that it was Blizzard's use of BitTorrent to deliver updates that triggered the throttling, noting that customers who disabled this setting -- as well as any other peer-to-peer applications -- would not see a slowdown in speed. "Rogers will engage our customers to ensure they are aware of these recommendations, while continuing to work on a longer term solution," a spokesperson said.
Canadian government vows to reverse CRTC decision on usage-based internet billing
It's happened before when Canadian government overturned the CRTC's decision and allowed Globalive to enter the Canadian cellphone market, and it looks like Ottawa is about to again weigh in and reverse an even more controversial ruling by the regulatory agency. As confirmed by Industry Minister Tony Clement on Twitter, the government plans to overturn the recent CRTC decision that effectively imposed usage-based internet billing if the agency doesn't back down and "go back to the drawing board." Citing a senior government official, The Toronto Star further reports that the reversal could come as early as next week. As any Canadians reading this may well be aware, the issue of usage-based internet billing has been simmering for some time, but it reached a tipping point with the CRTC's decision last week that affected smaller internet service providers who rely on the major telecom companies' networks. Under the new ruling, those companies would be have been faced with increased costs that would drastically limit the amount of maximum amount of data they're able to offer to customers each month -- one such ISP, Teksavvy, had in fact already sent out notices to customers informing them that their current 200GB cap would be dropping to just 25GB on March 1st, with any additional data use to be charged by the gigabyte. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Update: The CRTC has announced that it will review its decision, and delay any implementation of it by at least 60 days.
Mobilicity launches service in Toronto: all plans unlimited, no contracts to speak of
My, talk about a breath of fresh air. Canadian wireless subscribers have long since dealt with inhumane three-year contracts on mainstays like Rogers and Bell, signing over their cellular soul on a whim in order to get a marginally subsidized phone and a guaranteed bill for 36 months. We've heard for awhile now that Mobilicity was jonesing to change things up in the Great White North, and change it has. Shortly after receiving an all-important green light from the CRTC, the company has gone live with mobile service in Toronto, with a number of other large Canadian cities to follow in the months ahead. What's most unique about the service, however, is that every single plan it sells is unlimited in nature, and there's nary a contract to be found -- you simply pick the phone you want, the plan you want, and then you pay upfront. It's most akin to the various prepaid options here in the States (Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile, etc.), but still -- it's a lovely alternative to have if you're a Canuck. Unlimited calling and texting can be had for just $35 per month, while $65 per month nets you unlimited everything (including global texting, US long distance calling and data usage). The phone selection ain't half bad either, with the only major "gotcha" being that extra roaming fees can apply if you use your mobile outside of metro Toronto (or in the future, away from the carrier's specific coverage cities). Hit up the source link to get the facts straight from the horse's moose's mouth. [Thanks, Endi]
Mobilicity gets the green light from CRTC, looks to launch in Toronto soon
Right on cue, the artist formerly known as DAVE Wireless has been given approval to begin operations in Canada. Just as we heard earlier in the year, Mobilicity is looking to add some much-needed competition in the mobile operator space up north, and as predicted, the CRTC has given the initial stamp of approval needed for it to move forward with business operations. The company has to make a few minor changes up the ladder in order to appease the Canadian overlords that regulate this stuff, but the outfit's top brass have stated that they have "no issues" whatsoever in complying. If all goes well, the carrier plans to start up service in Toronto before the summer swings in, with Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa to get covered later in the year. Here's hoping those blasted three-year contracts vanish for good, eh? [Thanks, Adam]
International HD news roundup
Here at Engadget HD, we'd prefer not to just focus on high-def happenings in the US of A. Thus, we round up the best of the best from the international front each week and present it here, bundled together in a single, easy to digest list. If something went down in your corner of the globe over the past seven days, let the rest of the world know it in comments. 'Til next week, Até a vista! Read - Virgin Media Customers to Get Discovery HD Channel and More HD Programmes on Demand (UK) Read - Watch IPL in cinemas, pay normal rates (India) Read - Germany's WDR to kicks off HD broadcasting using Quantel Read - Dutch DTH platform adds HD channels Read - J: COM, VOD content delivered by the 3D starting in April (Japan) Read - M7 Group contracts two new transponders on Astra for HDTV expansion (India) Read - Freeview coverage checker reveals when Freeview HD is coming to you (UK) Read - HD sports season kicks off with Super 14 (South Africa) Read - Which is the right UK HDTV service for you? Read - CRTC Approves Free HD (Canada) Read - FreeHD Canadian service cleared for launch
Reversed decision enables Globalive to enter Canada's cellphone market 'immediately'
Tired of being badgered by your contemporaries over in the Northwest Angle about having to deal with those silly "three-year contracts?" Buck up, 'cause a new player has just been cleared to go head-to-head with the likes of Telus, Bell and Rogers in the Great White North. In a surprising reversal of an October CRTC ruling, the federal government in Canada has cleared Globalive to begin operations as a wireless cellphone operator in the country. The most amazing part? No changes are required in the outfit's debt structure or ownership hierarchy. You see, Canada generally requires that its wireless carriers be Canadian-owned, but as it stands, the majority shareholder in Globalive is Egypt's Orascom. Whatever the reasoning, we're just stoked to hear that the company can kick open the doors "effective immediately," and we're hoping to hear that it's doing just that in short order. [Thanks, Martin] Update: Whoa, that was quick! Looks like WIND (the brand this will all fall under) already has a site ready to rock. No sales or anything yet, but it looks like they won't be taking this reversal of fortunes lightly. Thanks, Leon!
CRTC blocks Canada's WIND from launching over ownership concerns
Globalive, which has recently been ramping up to launch a national Canadian phone service under the WIND brand using spectrum won in last year's auction, has been dealt a hell of a blow by the CRTC this week. The organization -- essentially the northern equivalent of the FCC -- has strict rules demanding that Canadian wireless networks be Canadian-owned, and an investigation of WIND's structure has apparently raised enough concern to cause it to call off the service's launch. Egypt's Orascom Telecom (which, strangely, also runs North Korea's Koryolink) owns some 65.1 percent of the operation and apparently "holds the overwhelming majority of the outstanding debt" for which Globalive is responsible, so yeah, we can see how that might not qualify as "Canadian-owned." For its part, Globalive says that it's "extremely disappointed" in the decision and "will be evaluating [its] options on how to proceed," but in all likelihood, that's going to have to mean cashing out a good chunk of Orascom if it's serious about making this happen. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Read - CRTC decision Read - WIND response
CRTC sets net neutrality rules for Canada, allows throttling as 'last resort'
The FCC may be yet to act on Chairman Genachowski's proposed net neutrality rules, but the agency's Canadian counterpart, the CRTC, has made a fairly significant ruling of its own on the matter today, and it seems like it may have manged to disappoint folks on both sides of the debate in the process. The short of it is that the CRTC will allow internet service providers to practice "traffic shaping" (a.k.a. bandwidth throttling), but only as a "last resort," and only after it has issued a warning that the throttling will take place (30 days in advance for regular users, and 60 days for wholesale customers). What's more, the CRTC is also recommending that ISPs "give preference to Internet traffic management practices based on economic measures" before cutting into customers downloads -- in other words, charge more for extra bandwidth, or offer discounts during non-peak hours. Read - CRTC ruling Read - The Globe and Mail, "CRTC sets Web 'throttling' rules"