Legislation
Why universal, affordable internet access is a job for everyone
By Michael Geist Apr. 11, 2016
The internet has dramatically changed our world, touching on virtually every aspect of society. Changing our rules on essential services to account for the digital world is long overdue.
The internet has dramatically changed our world, touching on virtually every aspect of society. Changing our rules on essential services to account for the digital world is long overdue, writes Michael Geist. Photo NASA/Dryden Flight Research Center Photo Collection, 1949
OTTAWA—The future of internet access in Canada takes centre stage this week at a major hearing focused on whether it is time to update the rules associated with universal access to communications services. Canada has long had regulations in place that ensure that basic telephone service is available to everyone, using a funding model that subsidizes higher costs in rural communities. For most Canadians, however, basic telephone service no longer adequately addresses their needs. Today the internet is
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