July 22, Wednesday-Smaller internet service providers were pleased with the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunication Commission's decision. The commission has decided to get big Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to open high speed fiber networks for the access of smaller ISPs. According to the Saudi Gazette, the smaller ISPs have indicated that they will not be able to sell the fastest service, despite the Wednesday decision, until sometime next year.
CRTC, Canada's telecommunications regulator, has earned praises for the step. The independent players in the internet service business will be able to offer better quality internet, as the latest in fiber optics connection will now be contributing to their services. Major figures in the field of Canadian tech have aired their opinions regarding the matter.
"The commission took a great step today in favour of competition. In giving us access to fiber to the premise, they have ensured that as speeds and demands increase, we're going to continue to be able to provide service that customers want," CEO of Distributel Communications Ltd., Matt Stein, has been quoted as saying in an interview.
Chief legal and regulatory officer for TekSavvy Solutions Inc. Bram Abramson has also given a positive response to CRTC's action for small ISPs, saying this will enable them to "take things to the next level". He cautioned, however, that the details should be ironed out and set for the smooth implementation of the provision of fiber network technology.
Canada has about 500 independent and alternative ISPs, which include Distributel and TekSavvy among many others. They, however, only have 8% of the total revenues from customers for their provision of internet service. The largest providers still dominate the internet market.
Among the big service providers are BCE and Rogers Communications Inc. Some of the major players in the service have said that opening the latest fiber optics technology for their smaller competitors will be a disadvantage to them, because they have invested in the technology to be used in their service.
Jean Pierre Blais, CRTC Chairman, has answered the concern by telling the major players to continue investing to better their service. Representatives from big ISPs have yet to comment on CRTC's ruling and subsequent suggestion.
Consumer groups in Canada have also praised the ruling, with advocate Open Media touting it as the, "first step towards ensuring small independent ISPs are able to sell fiber Internet in Canada, which should expand access and affordability for users."
