Ben Klass complaint against Bell prompts CRTC to review mobile Internet rules

Several months ago, we let you know that Manitoba resident and OpenMedia community member Ben Klass had filed a complaint with Canada’s telecom policymaker, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Ben’s complaint claimed that telecom giant Bell was unfairly stifling certain types of mobile content over their wireless networks to give their own content a speed advantage over content not owned by Bell.

Several months ago, we let you know that Manitoba resident and OpenMedia community member Ben Klass had filed a complaint with Canada’s telecom policymaker, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Ben’s complaint claimed that telecom giant Bell was unfairly stifling certain types of mobile content over their wireless networks to give their own content a speed advantage over content not owned by Bell.

Well, we have some good news. It looks like Mr. Klass’ complaint has prompted the CRTC to review the rules governing wireless net neutrality across Canada– not just the complaint against Bell. As you can see in the CRTC’s official response, it’s early days yet for the review, but this looks like encouraging news for Canadian mobile Internet users. However, as the review nears, we’re going to make sure decision-makers hear our voices loud and clear.

So, you might be wondering, why is Bell prioritizing their own content such a problem? As CBC News explains, “...companies like Bell and Rogers... own much of the content we consume and almost all of the networks we use to consume it.” Because conglomerates like Bell and Rogers have (i) control of the networks, (ii) own much of the content travelling across those networks, and (iii) have near-monopoly control of Canada’s telecom market, they have a huge amount of influence over how we connect with one another.

Because of their monopoly position, it’s crucial to have clear rules that ensure that the mobile Internet is open, accessible, and affordable to everyone. Without them, your mobile Internet provider could block you from browsing your favourite websites - or charge you extra for using services such as Facebook or Twitter. In the case of Ben Klass’ complaint, Bell was demanding customers pay more to watch Netflix.

It’s great to see everyday citizens like Ben taking a stand for an open Internet that ensures all traffic be treated equally – the key principle of “net neutrality”.

While it’s good news that the CRTC is going to be reviewing neutrality rules for mobile Internet, we need to make sure they hear the public’s voice loud and clear – not just the voice of Big Telecom’s lobbyists. Speak out at OpenMedia.ca/SaveOurNet today.