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Privacy and Security
Transparency

Traffic Management

The growth in Internet traffic is being cited as a main reason why some Internet service providers (ISPs) are adopting Internet traffic management practices to address possible congestion in their networks. The use of certain traffic management practices has raised concerns in Canada and in other jurisdictions. Recognizing the importance of these developments, the Canadian-Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) initiated a proceeding under the Telecommunications Act to:

• Examine the Internet traffic management practices which have been, or may be, adopted by ISPs; and
• Pronounce on whether such practices are consistent with the Act, and whether any measures are required to ensure that such practices are in accordance with the Act.

As a result of this proceeding, on October 21^st 2009 the CRTC introduced a new framework to guide Internet service providers (ISPs) in their use of Internet traffic management practices. The Commission also required ISPs to inform consumers of their practices, which will help them to make more informed decisions about the Internet services they purchase and use.

To meet the changing needs of Internet users, the Commission encourages ISPs to make investments to increase network capacity as much as possible. However, the Commission realizes that ISPs may need other measures to manage the traffic on their networks at certain times.

Whenever possible, ISPs should give preference to Internet traffic management practices based on economic measures. These practices are the most transparent as they are clearly identified on monthly bills. With this information, consumers can compare between different Internet services and match their bandwidth needs with the amount they are willing to pay. Technical means to manage traffic, such as traffic shaping, should only be employed as a last resort.

The Commission has also adopted special rules for ISPs that provide services on a wholesale basis to their competitors. These are necessary to ensure that ISPs do not use Internet traffic management practices to cause competitive harm to their wholesale customers.

For both the retail and wholesale markets, the Commission will use its new framework to review practices that raise concerns or generate complaints.

Read more about the policy in Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2009-657