The Benefits of Community Wi-Fi for Broadband Access

A 300 home community in Provo, Utah has demonstrated that community Wi-Fi systems can effectively serve as a less expensive, more manageable alternative to cable infrastructures. Although quality of service is sacrificed, systems like this could provide a viable, if not perfect, alternative in improving access to broadband signals in Canada.

Key Decision Brings Indie ISPs Up to Speed

Ottawa – A new regulatory policy released yesterday by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) mandates that major telecom companies must allow their independent Internet service competitors to obtain access to the same speeds of broadband as that to which they offer to their own retail customers.

CRTC: No Must-Carry Licenses until June 1, 2012

After much deliberation, the CRTC released yesterday their criteria for assessing what television stations will receive mandatory distribution after the digital switch-over takes place in August 2011. Surprisingly, the Commission has decided that it will not be considering any applications for must-carry licenses (such as those for Category A broadcasters) until June 2012 - much later than originally expected.

CACTUS: CRTC Releases Yet Another "Paternalistic" Community TV Policy

Ottawa (August 28,2010) After eight long years of complaints from the Canadian public that they have been excluded from "community TV channels" on cable, the CRTC yesterday released a new community TV policy for Canada that is little better than the existing policy.

OpenMedia.ca: CRTC Fails to Make History With Community Television Decision

For Immediate Release

August 26, 2010

CRTC Decision A Missed Opportunity for Media Innovation and Participation

Ottawa – The CRTC decided today to leave the 120 million dollar community media trust in the hands of big cable companies who have mismanaged the public funds over the last several years. Even the small step forward for accountability and transparency has been all but nullified by the stunning length of time it will take for policy to be put into practice.

OpenMedia.ca Weighs in on Shaw's Bid to Purchase Global

The CRTC has scheduled a hearing seeking public input on Shaw's proposed plan to purchase CanWest Global on September 20. While this is practically a done deal and it is unlikely that the regulator is going to be able to prevent it from happening despite the fact that it strongly goes against, OpenMedia.ca has strongly advised the Commission to ensure that the integrity of the local broadcasters owned by Global is maintained at all costs.

Some of OpenMedia.ca's Network Members