Industry Minister Clement Responds to Stop The Meter

Those of you who signed the Stop The Meter petition since the CRTC came out with its decision on Tuesday have now received a response from Industry Minister Tony Clement. It's hard to stay silent when 200,000+ people email you.

In his statement, Clement addressed the issue of usage-based billing (Internet metering) directly, stating this decision will be "studied carefully to ensure that competition, innovation and consumers were all fairly considered." We at OpenMedia.ca certainly hope that he means it.

The Conservatives do not have a great track record of living up to this rhetoric - just look at their refusal to come out in support of enforcement for Net Neutrality (Internet openness) after being confronted by the SaveOurNet Coalition. That was an instance in which they ignored the stance taken by hundreds of Canadians and other federal parties, and it doesn't exactly fill us with confidence.

We also notice that Clement's statement stops short of acknowledging the need for indie ISPs to be able to determine their own billing practices and service offerings. We look forward to a future announcement from Clement that includes tangible steps he will take to ensure that Canadians have unmetered Internet access options. Until we see Clement take action, it's essential that we step up our activities.

Clement will no doubt be more heavily lobbied by the telecom industry than any other person in Canada. It's time to take our campaign to the next level.

Visit www.StopTheMeter.ca to sign the petition, and send the Minister an email.

Good afternoon,

Please find copied below a statement from the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, regarding usage-based billing.

Kindest regards,

Heather Hume Jr
Press Secretary | Attachée de press
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement | Cabinet de l'honorable Tony Clement
E: Heather.Hume@ic.gc.ca
T: 613-995-9001
F: 613-992-0302

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Statement from the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry
Ottawa, Ontario, January 31, 2011 — Today, the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, issued the following statement regarding usage-based billing:

“On Tuesday, January 25, 2011, the CRTC announced its decision to allow wholesale and retail internet service providers to charge customers for exceeding the monthly usage of data transfer permitted with their broadband Internet package. This will mean, for the first time, that many smaller and regional internet service providers will be required to move to a system of usage-based billing for their customers.

I am aware that an appeal has been initiated by a market participant. As Canada’s Industry Minister, it is my job to help encourage an innovative and competitive marketplace, and to ensure Canadian consumers have real choices in the services they purchase. I can assure that, as with any ruling, this decision will be studied carefully to ensure that competition, innovation and consumers were all fairly considered.

The Harper Government is committed to encouraging choice and competition in wireless and internet markets. Increased choice results in more competition, which means lower prices and better quality services for Canadians. We have always been clear on our policies in this regard and will continue on this path.

Our Conservative Government is focussed on the economy and creating a positive environment for job creators and business to flourish. Canadians can count on us to do what is in the best interest of consumers.”