millsworks

Michael Geist reports on the CRTC’s network management hearings which begin this week.

Geist has always been great at pointing out the inconsistencies in the arguments of the telecoms and cable companies who have already proven they will say anything to retain what they believe is their rightful control and ownership of the internet.

This from Geist’s post:

The telecom and cable companies will likely maintain that managing their networks, which may include using “deep packet inspection” to identify subscriber activity and limiting available bandwidth for certain applications (a practice known as throttling), is essential to ensure optimal access for all subscribers. Consumer associations, independent Internet service providers (ISPs), broadcasters, creator groups, and technology companies are likely to warn against network management practices that raise competition, privacy, and consumer rights concerns.

My weekly technology law column (Toronto Star version, homepage version) notes that as the Commission weighs the various claims, it would do well to consider the testimony it heard just a few months ago during the February new media hearings. The issue at play at those hearings was whether ISPs should face a levy to fund new media or be required to prioritize Canadian content (the CRTC declined to do both in its decision released last month). Interestingly, the same telecom and cable companies that will now argue that managing their networks is essential, offered a somewhat different take when confronted with the prospect of doing so in the name of supporting Canadian content.

Everyone should keep an eye on Geist’s continuing reportage on these hearings as they will directly affect the future of our internet use – indeed, of the internet itself – not just here in Canada but with subsequent reverberations beyond our borders.

Net Neutrality equals Free Speech.

Pass it on.

Cheers.