GATINEAU – Today, the CRTC denied an application brought by large facilities-based ISPs to review and vary telecom regulatory policy 2019-269, specifically, the application of the Internet Code.
“The applicants (Bell, Rogers, Telus and others) submitted the Commission erred in its determination to apply the Internet Code to only the 10 largest facilities-based ISPs at this time; however, the Commission finds that the applicants have failed to demonstrate that there is substantial doubt as to the correctness of that determination,” reads today’s decision.
“As stated in Telecom Regulatory Policy 2019-269, the Commission expects that all Internet service providers will behave in a manner consistent with the principles set out in the Internet Code. The Commission also intends to initiate a formal review of the Internet Code within three years of it taking effect. As part of that review, the Commission will have the opportunity to expand the Internet Code’s application to other ISPs if deemed appropriate,” it continues.
The reasons the CRTC created the code, a mandatory code of conduct for providers of retail fixed ISP services to individual customers, are many.
It came into effect on January 31, 2020 and aims to make it easier for Canadians to understand their Internet service contracts, prevent bill shock from overage fees and price increases, and make it easier to switch Internet service providers (ISPs), reads the decision.
“Among other things, the Internet Code ensures that customers will benefit from increased clarity in their interactions with ISPs; clearer prices, including for bundles, promotions, and time-limited discounts; and increased clarity around service calls, outages, security deposits, and disconnections.
“In the Internet Code Policy, the Commission noted that the large facilities-based ISPs appeared more likely than other ISPs to offer bundles and fixed-term contracts; impose early cancellation fees, higher installation fees, and higher overage fees; and offer time-limited promotional offers, gifts with purchases, or other discounts,” which is why it applied directly to Bell Canada (including Bell MTS; NorthernTel, and Télébec), Eastlink, Cogeco, Northwestel, Rogers, SaskTel, Telus, Videotron, and Xplornet.
