On June 7, the Canadian Parliament passed a pivotal piece of legislation, Bill C-288, aimed at reforming the way broadband speeds are reported in Canada.
This new law, which amends the Telecommunications Act, mandates Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to accurately report the actual broadband network performance to consumers, specifically during peak usage times.
This legislation is particularly significant for rural Canadians who have long felt the disparity between advertised and actual internet speeds.
The bill was introduced by Dan Mazier, Conservative Shadow Minister for Rural Economic Development and Connectivity, as a private member's bill.
“For too long, Canadians have been purchasing internet services at sky-high prices only to realize the quality and speed they expected to receive is nowhere near what they actually receive," Mazier stated. He emphasized that rural Canadians often do not receive the service quality they pay for, with ISPs promoting maximum theoretical speeds rather than the typical speeds consumers can realistically expect.
The requirement for ISPs to publicly and accurately report on key performance indicators will help telecommunications customers in Canada make more informed decisions when selecting their service providers. This in turn is expected to stimulate competition among ISPs to improve the quality of the network performance they deliver.
Mazier also noted the broader benefits of this transparency: “Experts across Canada have been very clear – Bill C-288 will help increase competition and improve service quality.”
Bill C-288 represents a significant advancement in consumer rights and service transparency.
It's a move that promises to bridge the gap between expectation and reality, ensuring that Canadians, especially those in rural areas, can choose their internet services based on accurate information.
This legislative change is seen as a critical step toward enhancing the overall quality of internet service across Canada, fostering a healthier, more competitive market.