Consumer Choice Coalition asks Cabinet to deny Bell Canada’s petition to overturn important CRTC network sharing decision
OTTAWA, December 21, 2015 – The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) today filed a submission to Cabinet in response to a petition by Bell to overturn an important decision of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC).
The CRTC decision requires large Canadian telecommunications service providers to allow competitors access to their next generation “fibre-to-the-home” networks to serve customers.
“Canada needs network sharing. Canadian consumers face a lack of choice and high prices for internet service,” said John Lawford, Executive Director and General Counsel at PIAC. “The CRTC’s decision promotes innovation and enables Canada’s digital economy.”
In their submission, PIAC, as part of the Consumer Choice Coalition, argued that the CRTC made the right decision and that Bell’s request to overturn it, if granted, would destroy competition and anger Canadians.
“The CRTC very clearly and responsibly consulted on the issues, and considered all of the evidence and views before it,” said Geoff White, Counsel to the coalition. “Overturning the CRTC, or sending the matter back for further consideration, would be a highly unpopular policy mistake.”
PIAC filed its submission as part of a coalition with other organizations, named the Consumer Coalition. The other organizations are:

  • the British Columbia Old Age Pensioners’ Organization;
  • the British Columbia Public Interest Advocacy Centre;
  • the Consumers’ Association of Canada;
  • the Council of Senior Citizens Organizations of British Columbia;
  • the Manitoba Public Interest Law Centre; and
  • the National Pensioners Federation.

A copy of the Consumer Choice Coalition’s full submission can be found here:
Notice No. DGTP-002-2015 — Petition to the Governor in Council concerning Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2015-326 – Submission of the Consumer Choice Coalition
 
For more information please contact:

John Lawford
Executive Director & General Counsel
Public Interest Advocacy Centre
(613) 562-4002 ×25
lawford@piac.ca
www.piac.ca
 
Geoff White
Counsel to the Consumer Choice Coalition
(613) 612-1190
geoff@geoffwhitelaw.ca
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