Destination: Journey

You’ve got a few more days to get your thoughts to the CRTC on Net Neutrality. If you don’t know what it is or why it’s important, I’ve got a few posts tagged with net-netrality that give some basics, or you can check out some of these fine folks below.

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Telecom Public Notice CRTC 2008-19
Notice of consultation and hearing
Review of the Internet traffic management practices of Internet service providers

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From Mediacaster Magazine
Net Neutrality Submission Deadline Extended by CRTC

So-called Net Neutrality hearings called by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) have hit a speed bump. The deadline for public submissions to hearings on Internet throttling or traffic shaping activities by Canadian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) has been moved to Feb. 23, a one-week extension on the original deadline date.
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According to reports, the CRTC had ordered Canada’s ISPs, such as Bell, Rogers and Shaw, to provide traffic information for the hearings. The material was provided on Wednesday, just days before what would have been the point at which submissions to public comments were closed.  Some observers are saying the filing timing seems like a tactic to prevent effective response to the important information from ISPs about network management and technical activities related to traffic throughput, quality of service and quality of experience issues. Organizations such as CIPPIC, PIAC, saveournet.ca and the Open Internet Coalition have voiced opinions on the topic and recommended submissions be made to the CRTC by interested or concerned parties.

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And check out Mediacaster Magazine’s artcle “Canadians Should Submit to Net Neutrality Hearings “

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From Canadian Dimension
CRTC decision may limit innovation, free speech
Matthew Brett, February 10th, 2009

A national coalition of Internet democracy watchdogs are urging Canadians to get involved in the debate over Canada’s open Internet and “Net Neutrality” — before a vital February [23] deadline.

The CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) is investigating the controversial practice of “throttling” or deliberately slowing down Canadians’ Internet speeds. Several large Canadian internet service providers have been caught throttling consumers and competitors in recent months, including a high-profile case involving Bell Canada in November. February [23] is the last day for the public to submit their own comments and arguments to the commission on the issue, online or at http://saveournet.ca/content/take-action

Now go read the full article.

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And from Michael Geist
Deadline Nears to Speak Out on Net Neutrality

You should read his full post as there are some great links there as well.

“There will no doubt be many players on both sides of the issue who will respond, but it is very important for the broader public to make their voices heard.  Indeed, a strong response will send a signal to the CRTC about the public concern with net neutrality and serve as a warning to Canada’s politicians that they will have to step up to address the issue if the CRTC is unwilling to do so.”

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And go check out the post from SaveOurNet.ca
NDP’S Charlie Angus is Championing the Fight to Protect Online Innovation

“With the CRTC accepting public submissions on the issue of Net Neutrality, the NDP is urging Canadians to get involved and become aware of the issues at stake. Charlie Angus is championing the fight in the Canadian Parliament. He says the Canadian innovation agenda will be badly compromised if the CRTC gets it wrong on the issue of Net Neutrality.”