The CRTC’s “obligation to serve” online consultation is now closed.

The CRTC’s “obligation to serve” online consultation is now closed.

Thank you for participating in the recent “obligation to serve” online consultation, hosted by PubliVate. We appreciate receiving your comments, which form an important part of the public record for this proceeding.

Some participants have asked what the CRTC plans to do with the comments we received during the online consultation. I assure you that all comments have been read and we’re considering them as part of our ongoing analysis of the issues in this proceeding. The transcripts of the online consultation will be placed on the public record on the CRTC’s website.

Including these transcripts on the public record helps to provide a full picture of the views of the Canadian public, and we thank you for taking the time and effort to share your thoughts with us.

Sincerely,
John Traversy
Executive Director, Telecommunications, CRTC

Over 10 years ago, the CRTC set an objective for telecommunications companies to provide Canadians in all regions with access to high-quality, reliable, and affordable basic telephone services. Today, over 99% of Canadians have basic telephone service that includes the following:

- individual line local Touch‑Tone telephone service;

- access to low-speed Internet at local rates;

- access to the long distance network and to operator/directory assistance services;

- enhanced calling features, including access to emergency services, voice message relay service, and privacy protection features; and

- access to a copy of the current local telephone directory.

1. What services should be included as part of your basic telephone services today?

2. In the context of this objective, what role, if any, should the CRTC play in ensuring that all Canadians have access to broadband Internet service?

The wireless industry has been growing steadily for many years and today all Canadians have access to wireless services. Three Canadians out of four have a cellphone and an increasing number of Canadian households are wireless-only. Also, more and more people are connecting to the Internet using wireless services (e.g. Wi-Fi, 3G networks or satellite).

3. Do you think that cellphone service can be a substitute for traditional home phone landline service? Explain why or why not.

4. Do you think that wireless services (e.g. Wi-Fi, 3G networks or satellite) can be substitutes for landline services to connect to the Internet? Explain why or why not.

Broadband Internet access is increasingly being used for a variety of activities, for example education, health care, business, and entertainment, to name just a few.

5. For what activities do you use or expect to use your Internet service?