CRTC reaches out to future telecom lawyers at uOttawa event

The chair of the CRTC and its general counsel spoke to a group of students and interested members of the public about the commission and its telecommunications operations Wednesday, July 30. The session was sponsored by the University of Ottawa's Samuelson-Glushko Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic (CIPPIC). Commission Chair Vicky Eatrides and counsel Rachelle Frenette appeared before a group at a university classroom and others who logged on to a virtual event. Many of the attendees were law students who hope to pursue careers in telecom law. Eatrides began by stressing the importance of telecom in Canadian society. “Telecommunications shapes how we live, how we learn, how we work, how we access health care, how we connect with loved ones,” she explained. “So that is why listening to Canadians around telecommunications policy is a lived reality in communities across the country.” She quoted the Canadian entrepreneur Bonnie Brooks, who said businesses and governments build the river banks and let the water flow freely. “I think that’s a fitting metaphor for many regulators,” Eatrides added. “At the CRTC we are building riverbanks in the form of regulatory frameworks that support healthy and competitive industries and our frameworks are not meant to hold the current. They are meant to guide it.” Frenette, an alumna of uOttawa’s law school, outlined the commission’s mandate and operational structure. She reminded the audience that the CRTC shares responsibility for telecom policy with the department of innovation, science and economic development (ISED) which oversees spectrum allotment. Much of the commission’s work is done through public proceedings. She praised non-governmental organizations such as CIPPIC for taking part in hearings alongside industry groups and other stakeholders. “The diverse perspectives are valued because each voice contributes to the record of the CRTC’s proceedings and informs the decisions of its commission members,” she stated. “That’s why organizations like CIPPIC are really essential. You help ensure that the interests of Canadians are heard and are reflected in our policies.” Eatrides took the mic again to discuss its internet and wireless policies. The Broadband Fund has dispersed $750 million since 2019 to rollout internet infrastructure across the country. She conceded that much still needs to be done. Rural, remote and Indigenous communities are underserved. The most recently released CRTC statistics show 750,000 households lack access to basic broadband services, which the regulator defines as 50 Megabits per second (Mbps) download speed and 10 Mbps upload. She said that those connectivity numbers should decrease when new stats are issued in the coming months. That policy has been controversial. Although Eatrides did not mention it, several internet service providers (ISPs) are upset by the provisions that allow incumbent telecoms to purchase service in their non-dominant regions. A court action is currently underway. She also touted the commission policy of allowing wireless companies to piggyback on the networks of larger players to increase competition in the mobile marketplace. This will be a temporary measure as the smaller companies must build out their own networks by 2030. The uOttawa event coincided with the soft launch of service by Cogeco Communications Inc. on Wednesday. Eatrides cited CRTC vice-chair of telecommunications, Adam Scott, who said the regulator was looking for a “Goldilocks solution” to pricing in the internet and wireless markets. The commission must balance pricing with incentives for rolling out service. “If prices are too high, affordability suffers,” Eatrides offered. “If prices are too low, investment is discouraged and that risks lower service quality and connectivity. And solving this issue starts with listening.” Listening to interested parties is a major focus for the commission, the chair said. She encouraged her audience to take part in the regulatory process. “Telecom policy is not just about cables and towers, as exciting as those are, but it’s really about people and it’s about building a healthy industry that serves people well,” she concluded. “At the CRTC we know we don’t have all of the answers but we do know that better policy happens when you listen to individuals, to businesses, to organizations like CIPPIC that help bring diverse voices into the conversation.” She thanked CIPPIC for arranging the event and postulated that another on broadcasting could be arranged. CIPPIC director Matt Malone told The Wire Report that he would consider the idea for a future session. ppark@thewirereport.ca

CRTC reaches out to future telecom lawyers at uOttawa event

News |
By Paul Park
| July 31, 2025

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us

CRTC reaches out to future telecom lawyers at uOttawa event

News | By Paul Park | July 31, 2025

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

Related Stories

WildBrain undue preference complaint against Rogers dismissed

CRTC approves new Cabin Radio FM station in Yellowknife

CRTC, Privacy Commissioner asked to launch inquiries into alleged privacy breach in Niagara phone call misconnections

Bell, Rogers come to agreement for distribution of specialty channels

Reuse & Permissions

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us

News |
By Paul Park
| July 31, 2025