The government's decisions last week on Internet affordability and telecom policy are too little too late. Consumers and competitors needed rate relief, and they needed it years ago or (at the latest) right now; instead, they got no price relief at all. Rant𧔗
1. For years, big telecom has inflated costs for independent competitors, while squeezing them in the market. The only way to stop them is to reduce rates and strengthen competition. The gov had a rare opportunity to do that, but last week the government just... took a pass.
2. Instead, the gov is proposing a draft [ie. brace for more lobbying] of a "Policy Direction" hoping to make the CRTC more pro-consumer and pro-competition. I guess maybe that will help? eventually? in some way? But it does _nothing_ to reduce prices. Nothing.
3. In fact, by delaying any relief and requiring further process, it gives the big telecoms exactly what they want: More time. Time to keep rates high, to deny services, to squeeze out competitors, and to solidify their monopolies.
4. Sure, yes, it's good to repeal the old Policy Directionsâthose were contradictory and confusing. And yes, it's clear the government is not happy with the CRTC's recent decisions. But instead of fixing it, they're proposing a slight course correction and just moving on. /end