Media Advisory: Bell backs off on throttling, caves to Internet openness supporters; OpenMedia.ca available for comment

WHAT:
Bell, Canada's largest Internet provider, has decided to pull back some of the discriminatory restrictions it has been imposing on the Internet for the last several years, namely the slowing (throttling) of online content.

Over the last few years, many Canadian ISPs have attempted to justify Internet openness violations by claiming that certain types of traffic make their networks unmanageable. Bell’s move today demonstrates clearly that this is not the case.

This announcement is further evidence that ISPs are breaking Internet openness rules when they restrict access to online services.

WHEN:
We are able to comment at any time.

BACKGROUND:

OpenMedia.ca is a non-profit organization that safeguards the open and affordable Internet. The group works towards informed & participatory digital policy. OpenMedia.ca has long decried the lack of enforcement of Canada’s Internet openness rules for the inadequate protection it affords online choice and innovation.

Throttling the open Internet were never justified in the first place, and OpenMedia.ca is glad to see Bell moving away from the practice. The move draws further into question why Rogers and other big Internet service providers continue to employ the discriminatory tactic.

CONTACT

Lindsey Pinto – 778.238.7710 – lindsey@openmedia.ca

More about Internet openness at http://openmedia.ca/saveournet