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News release

March 31, 2009

CRTC opens online consultation on Internet traffic management practices

OTTAWA-GATINEAU —The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today opened an online consultation to gather views on Internet traffic management practices. The consultation, which is being hosted by Nanos Research, is part of a proceeding launched in November 2008. A public hearing will also be held starting on July 6, 2009, in Gatineau, Que.

Current Internet services have made it possible for Canadians to use new applications and services, such as video streaming and peer-to-peer networking. Certain Internet service providers (ISPs) maintain that this growth in traffic can cause congestion, especially during peak times. This has led some ISPs to manage the flow of traffic on their networks or adopt new business models.

The CRTC is examining the current practices of ISPs operating in Canada, as well as those that could be adopted in the future. The proceeding’s main objective is to determine whether and to what extent such practices are appropriate under the Telecommunications Act.

Through the online consultation, the public is invited to discuss various topics and questions related to Internet traffic management practices. The topics for discussion are:

• the impact of these practices on the user experience and on innovation
• the different approaches to Internet traffic management
• the role of the CRTC in relation to Internet traffic management practices, and
• the disclosure of Internet traffic management practices by ISPs.

The online consultation will close at midnight EST on April 30, 2009, and can be found at http://isppractices.econsultation.ca.

Reference documents: News release, "CRTC denies CAIP application, but will examine
 Internet traffic management practices," November 20, 2008
 Telecom Public Notice CRTC 2008-19

The CRTC

The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.

 

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