TORONTO – Network service providers must do much more to make sure all Canadians can gain access to the internet, no matter where they are, or what their economic situation said CRTC chairman Jean-Pierre Blais on Monday.
In his keynote address to the 2012 Canadian ISP Summit, the chair noted that the Internet “defines how Canadians live, work and play. It is part and parcel of almost every aspect of our lives,” he said. Creators can share their work more easily, Canadians can consume that work multiple ways, relationships can be brought closer together, and key services like education and health care can be delivered better to make Canadians smarter and healthier.
He even noted a missing link in Canada, something we here at Cartt.ca, and others, have talked about often: That is, the lack of a program or a plan to get broadband to the hundreds of thousands of Canadian families who can’t afford it. It’s being done in the States (and with no government money, we might add).
“Leading American ISPs, technology companies and not-for-profit organizations have started a program to bridge the growing disparity between the ‘digital-haves’ and ‘digital have-nots.’
“Why? How? Evidence shows that students who have a computer and broadband Internet connection at home are more likely to succeed at school. Online consumers can save a substantial amount each year by shopping smarter. And, more than 80% of Fortune 500 companies require potential employees to apply for jobs online. The flip-side is also true: none of these benefits can be realized without access to the Internet.
“Evidence like this begs the question: Could Canadian ISPs do more to meet the growing demand for broadband access in every corner of our country?”
(Ed note: We here at Cartt.ca are pleased to hear chairman Blais taking note of this, as it has been an issue we’ve highlighted repeatedly, as have others, but have made little progress with in our discussions with various industry leaders. Click to follow the links for all of the backstory.)
“When the business community takes its corporate social responsibilities seriously, both Canadians and shareholders are the better for it,” he added, making we at Cartt.ca believe that the industry should take this as a strong hint and start to move more forcefully on this front.
The chairman also used his speech to re-outline the Commission’s most recent decision on the wholesale billing front with its move to increased costs transparency, the CRTC’s increased focus on the consumer, and its three-year plan, something Blais has highlighted often, including last week’s appearance at the International Institute of Communications Canadian conference.
The ISP Summit continues Tuesday in Toronto and Cartt.ca will be there.
