Archive for category Politics

As you may know, telephone companies like Bell Canada and Telus built networks over decades supported by federal rules which gave them monopolies over telephone service. This was a form of subsidy by taxpayers, guaranteeing that these companies would be profitable, so that the public could benefit from having telecommunications networks across the country.

Once these networks were built, and the telephone companies were very well established, the federal government put in rules to help create healthy competition. One of these rules was to require Bell and Telus to allow competitors to connect to their networks, at prices that were regulated by the CRTC. This allowed Canadians to have access to a choice of provider for telephone and eventually for Internet services too.

This type of competition has been good for Canadians, ensuring lower prices, more innovation, and better service than would be the case if you were captive to a single monopoly provider.

The CRTC’s recent decision would destroy this framework. It would allow companies like Bell and Telus to set whatever prices they choose for competitor access to their networks.

If this decision stands, we can all expect massive price increases designed to choke off competition. One way or another, we foresee higher prices, lower service standards, and little if any innovation.

Many I.T. businesses (including this one) may be threatened by the increase of the price of bandwidth and the reduction of allowed services that is sure to occur after this decision is passed. Speak out now to prevent such a disaster to happen to the Canadian Internet we’ve all become accustomed to!!

Custom PC in no way supports Piracy and wishes that creators be rewarded for the things that they produce, however the new set of policies bring this idea WAAAY out of hand. These potential laws even prevent anyone from making valid backups of their legally purchased media. We suggest that if you value your rights as a consumer, you act immediately and make your representatives in government realize the mistake they may be making. Just follow the link and read along, it’s a lot easier than you may think.

The following was copied directly from this link

As a consumer of digital media and electronics you stand to be greatly impacted by changes to Canada’s copyright regime. Fortunately, the Government wants to hear from consumers and creators alike so that the interests of all Canadians can be taken into account. Until September 13, 2009 you can participate in the recently launched government consultations on copyright by visiting www.copyrightconsultation.ca and registering for an upcoming townhall meeting, webcast or by making a submission via email.

If we do not voice our concerns en masse we run the risk of having a draconian system of copyright rules imposed upon us.  Imagine living in a country where corporations dictate how you consume information and media and utilize technology.  Canadians need to speak out against such proposals and push for greater flexibility in the law to provide a balanced, fair approach on digital reforms.  To that end, Michael Geist has just launched www.speakoutoncopyright.ca. The site is designed to inform and help foster greater participation by bringing together online discussion (ie. the Twitter #copycon stream), postings, videos, news reports, etc.

The Canadian Coalition for Electronic Rights has also updated its letter wizard allowing you to easily submit your concerns in both official languages directly to the government copyright consultations as well as those minsters responsible for modernizing Canada’s Copyright Act.