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"This is a giant step forward for the Stop The Meter campaign, and a victory for those who support competition and choice in Canada's Internet service market," said Steve Anderson, executive director of OpenMedia.ca.
Ottawa (1 April 2011) - Due to massive complaints and controversy, Bell Canada has shifted its strategy on usage based billing (UBB).
At a recent Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) hearing, Bell announced that rather than charge independent providers and their customers for every gigabyte that crosses its data lines, it would charge providers a monthly flat rate for bandwidth packages.
The concession is largely credited to OpenMedia.ca’s Stop the Meter campaign which saw over 400,000 Canadians sign an online petition about the billing plan. The CRTC even invited OpenMedia.ca to a closed-door stakeholder forum where the issue would be discussed.
"This is a giant step forward for the Stop The Meter campaign, and a victory for those who support competition and choice in Canada's Internet service market" said Steve Anderson, executive director of OpenMedia.ca.
The backlash and subsequent corporate shift may be a sign that major telecom players are starting to listen to consumers but as Steve Anderson continues, "While this is a positive move, it is only a band-aid solution to a much larger problem.”
“The fundamental structural problems in the telecom industry remain: approximately 94% of Canadians use big phone and cable companies, many of which are still imposing usage fees on their customers. These usage fees are out of step with global standards for Internet price and speed, and Canadians will not be happy until they are ensured affordable access to an open Internet.”
During the federal election, Canadians are being encouraged to ask candidates their stance on an open, accessible, affordable internet and to endorse the Stop the Meter campaign.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
More information:
Open Media - Stop the Meter campaign
Feb. 26th day of action to Stop the Meter
Ottawa should reject decision to allow gouging internet charges