CRTC rules wireless data subject to same rules as broadband
On June 30th, the CRTC issued Telecom Decision CRTC 2010-445 which sets out the rules for traffic shaping on wireless networks. In short, the CRTC decided to apply the same rules to wireless data as for other internet services.
From the perspective that, up until now, wireless has been a black box and allowed to do whatever it wants with regard to the internet, this is good. It should force wireless providers to reveal how they are blocking or shaping internet content which will be valuable for any business hoping to do business over the internet using wireless devices.
On the down side, the previous CRTC net-neutrality ruling had some serious flaws so applying it to more aspects of Canadian telecom isn’t great news. Still, I’m actually surprised the CRTC decided to do anything. In Canada, cell phone companies have been allowed to do pretty much whatever they want so at least this is a sign the CRTC is starting to see the importance of wireless data and is no longer treating it as a regulation free area.
