https://twitter.com/
Methinks Higgy et al should well understand why I gave the Space X
office a call today and left a message for their tax lawyer Michael Sylvester
N'esy Pas?
Elon Musk's satellite internet plan gets green light from Canadian regulator
Tesla co-founder's space company plans to launch 12,000 low-orbit internet satellites
· CBC News · Posted: Oct 20, 2020 8:00 AM AT
A SpaceX craft launches a cluster of 60 Starlink satellites. More than
800 Starlink satellites are in low Earth orbit, with thousands more to
come. (SpaceX, Twitter)
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has approved an Elon Musk-owned company's application to provide low Earth orbit satellite internet to rural Canadians.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX) is Musk's rocket and spacecraft company.
One of the company's projects is to bring high-speed internet service to hard-to-reach rural areas around the globe by launching thousands of small satellites that will orbit just 550 kilometres above the Earth, vastly speeding interaction with residential computers on the ground.
Traditional telecommunications satellites orbit at more that 20,000 km above the Earth.
The CRTC approval letter is dated last Thursday and addressed to SpaceX's chief financial officer, Bret Johnson.
"The Commission received 2,585 interventions regarding Space Exploration Technologies Corp.'s BITs application," reads the notice.
"After consideration of the comments received, the Commission has approved the application and a BITS licence is enclosed."
The vast majority of the interveners were individual Canadians living in rural areas of the country who support the application.
Aiming for network of 12K satellites
SpaceX has been launching trains of 60 satellites roughly twice a month since May 2019.
The most recent launch took place at Cape Canaveral on Sunday aboard the company's Falcon 9 reusable rocket.
That brings the total number of orbiting Starlink satellites to 835. Eventually, there will be 12,000 satellites in the network.
It is not clear how soon Canadians will be able to access Starlink's service.
SpaceX has said it will begin beta tests on the service with volunteer households in Canada and northern areas of the United States this fall.
Musk, who is also the force behind electric car manufacturer Tesla, has been cautious about predicting how well the service will work, telling attendees at the Satellite 2020 Conference in Washington, D.C., in March that it is aimed at the three to four per cent of rural customers "who simply have no connectivity right now, or the connectivity is really bad."
SpaceX did not respond to a CBC request for comment Monday.
About the Author
CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
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David Amos
Content disabled
Methinks this news should make some rural folks such as I Happy Happy Happy N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @David Amos:
"The Commission received 2,585 interventions regarding Space
Exploration Technologies Corp.'s BITs application," reads the notice. "After consideration of the comments received, the Commission has approved the application and a BITS licence is enclosed."
The vast majority of the interveners were individual Canadians living in rural areas of the country who support the application."
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @David Amos:
Methinks Higgy et al should well understand why I just gave the Space X
office a call and left a message for their lawyer Michael Sylvester
N'esy Pas? gerard leclerc
Well,
I'm paying $100.00 per month, and Xplornet is not working with me at
all to help me get 25 mbps here in RURAL New Brunswick! Their speed
sukks big time, and every call I make to them , I get the runaround! I
will be getting on the bandwagon if this becomes a reality, that's for
sure! Waiting for the feds to do something, well I might just be dead by
then!
Bill Ryerson
Reply to @gerard leclerc:
Look into a company named Tek Savvy. Not sure if they do NB but say they are national. I've used them for 4 years, rate has never changed, $56 a month. They use Bell and Rogers lines. They have worked great, can have several TVs on the go at same time for Netflix and Crave.
Look into a company named Tek Savvy. Not sure if they do NB but say they are national. I've used them for 4 years, rate has never changed, $56 a month. They use Bell and Rogers lines. They have worked great, can have several TVs on the go at same time for Netflix and Crave.
Bill Ryerson
Reply to @Bill Ryerson:
Oh I'm in a small village in Northern Ontario which is remote like you.
Oh I'm in a small village in Northern Ontario which is remote like you.
David Amos
Reply to @Bill Ryerson: Tek Savvy ain't here but my brother in Ontario bragged of it many years ago
Bill Ryerson
Reply to @David Amos:
Too bad. Yes they have been great in every regard.
Too bad. Yes they have been great in every regard.
Rory Weiner:
Reply to @gerard
leclerc: I'm like you , other side of the country , but can't wait to
tell this overpriced under delivering company to get their equipment off
the roof
David Amos
Reply to @Bill Ryerson: too bad you cannot read all my comment but
Sometimes the little guy wins
TekSavvy demands immediate refund from Bell, Rogers after FCA rejects ‘dubious’ appeals of CRTC wholesale rate decision
ISP says it will cease payments until CRTC-ordered rate correction and refund received in full
Sept 11, 2020
TekSavvy Solutions Inc. (TekSavvy) praised today’s unanimous decision from the Federal Court of Appeal (FCA) rejecting appeals filed by Canada’s largest telecom and cable companies (such as Bell Canada and Rogers), who sought to overturn a key CRTC decision concerning the wholesale rates the large carriers charge TekSavvy and the other independent Internet service providers.
In dismissing the appeals with costs, the FCA noted the large carriers’ arguments were of “dubious merit”. The FCA also lifted the Stay on the implementation of the CRTC’s August 2019 rate decision, which confirmed that the large carriers overstated their costs of providing wholesale access to their networks for years, corrected their rates based on evidence of their costs and ordered the large carriers to repay amounts they overcharged competitors over the 3 year process. The CRTC previously condemned the large carriers’ rate-fixing conduct as “very disturbing” because it would drive smaller competitors out of business and deny Canadians choice for Internet services.
Sometimes the little guy wins
TekSavvy demands immediate refund from Bell, Rogers after FCA rejects ‘dubious’ appeals of CRTC wholesale rate decision
ISP says it will cease payments until CRTC-ordered rate correction and refund received in full
Sept 11, 2020
TekSavvy Solutions Inc. (TekSavvy) praised today’s unanimous decision from the Federal Court of Appeal (FCA) rejecting appeals filed by Canada’s largest telecom and cable companies (such as Bell Canada and Rogers), who sought to overturn a key CRTC decision concerning the wholesale rates the large carriers charge TekSavvy and the other independent Internet service providers.
In dismissing the appeals with costs, the FCA noted the large carriers’ arguments were of “dubious merit”. The FCA also lifted the Stay on the implementation of the CRTC’s August 2019 rate decision, which confirmed that the large carriers overstated their costs of providing wholesale access to their networks for years, corrected their rates based on evidence of their costs and ordered the large carriers to repay amounts they overcharged competitors over the 3 year process. The CRTC previously condemned the large carriers’ rate-fixing conduct as “very disturbing” because it would drive smaller competitors out of business and deny Canadians choice for Internet services.
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos:
TekSavvy previously filed a formal Complaint with the Competition
Bureau, detailing how Bell and Rogers deviated from CRTC-costing rules
to inflate wholesale rates they charge competitors, while offering
competing retail prices below the wholesale costs they had inflated.
TekSavvy submitted that the Government of Canada should order the
Competition Bureau to investigate Bell and Rogers’ wholesale rate-fixing
activities because it harms competition and keeps Internet prices
artificially high at the expense of millions of Canadian consumers.
“The FCA decision is a major step forward in the fight for fair Internet pricing for Canadians. The arguments of Bell and the other carriers have been revealed to be just more baseless tactics designed to stifle competition and keep prices high”, says Andy Kaplan-Myrth, VP of Regulatory and Carrier Affairs for TekSavvy.
Based on the CRTC's August 2019 rate decision and today’s Federal Court of Appeal decision, TekSavvy is owed tens of millions of dollars by the large carriers. Every month, Bell and Rogers continue to game the system and their inflated wholesale rates continue to stifle competition and gouge consumers. TekSavvy expects that the CRTC will once again direct the large carriers to file updated tariffs with the corrected final rates and to refund monies owed, consistent with the CRTC’s prior direction before the Stay. Until that outstanding balance is paid, in full, TekSavvy will be applying the amounts owed, with interest, as a monthly credit on the wholesale fees charged by Bell and Rogers.
“The FCA decision is a major step forward in the fight for fair Internet pricing for Canadians. The arguments of Bell and the other carriers have been revealed to be just more baseless tactics designed to stifle competition and keep prices high”, says Andy Kaplan-Myrth, VP of Regulatory and Carrier Affairs for TekSavvy.
Based on the CRTC's August 2019 rate decision and today’s Federal Court of Appeal decision, TekSavvy is owed tens of millions of dollars by the large carriers. Every month, Bell and Rogers continue to game the system and their inflated wholesale rates continue to stifle competition and gouge consumers. TekSavvy expects that the CRTC will once again direct the large carriers to file updated tariffs with the corrected final rates and to refund monies owed, consistent with the CRTC’s prior direction before the Stay. Until that outstanding balance is paid, in full, TekSavvy will be applying the amounts owed, with interest, as a monthly credit on the wholesale fees charged by Bell and Rogers.
Bill Ryerson
Reply to @David Amos:
Last year Tek Savvy dropped my price $5.00 without me even knowing what was going on. They sent me a link to my local MP to complain about pricing. I did and even got a reply. But Bell, Rogers, etc did appeal it so the price went back up. They seem to be on our side unlike the Big guys.
Last year Tek Savvy dropped my price $5.00 without me even knowing what was going on. They sent me a link to my local MP to complain about pricing. I did and even got a reply. But Bell, Rogers, etc did appeal it so the price went back up. They seem to be on our side unlike the Big guys.
David Amos
Reply to @Bill Ryerson: Do you now who i am?
Bill Ryerson
Reply to @David Amos:
No should I? If so give me a hint.
No should I? If so give me a hint.
David Amos
Reply to @Bill Ryerson: if I say too much it goes "poof"
Bill Ryerson
Reply to @David Amos:
You are in NB?
You are in NB?
David Amos
Reply to @Bill Ryerson: Yes My middle name is?
Bill Ryerson
Reply to @David Amos:
Give me at least a hint.
Give me at least a hint.
Bill Ryerson
Reply to @David Amos: federal court file No T-1557-15
David Amos
Reply to @Bill Ryerson: I have sued more lawyers than anyone else in history
Bill Ryerson
Reply to @David Amos:
Ok I googled it. I thought we might know each other personally.
Ok I googled it. I thought we might know each other personally.
David Amos
Reply to @Bill
Ryerson: The Deputy Commissioner overseeing the Competition Act called
me today because the feds know I am preparing to file 3 more very
important lawsuits One in in defense of the internet etc used by
ordinary folks such as you and I
Bill Ryerson
Reply to @David Amos:
Keep going. Best I've done is contact my MP and Freeland regarding other issues but they always fall on deaf ears. More power to you. We need more like you.
Keep going. Best I've done is contact my MP and Freeland regarding other issues but they always fall on deaf ears. More power to you. We need more like you.
David Amos
Reply to @Bill Ryerson: google assange david amos
David Amos
Reply to @Bill Ryerson: i debate MPs on TV while running against them
Bill Ryerson
Reply to @David Amos:
OK. I am very Pro-Assange.
OK. I am very Pro-Assange.
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Bill Ryerson: assange is a crookBill Ryerson
Reply to @David Amos:
i am a real whistleblower he just talks about them He approached me in
2009 and i figured out his game before he conned jonsdottier and her
IMMI pals and got famous
Bill Ryerson
Reply to @David Amos: The Ides of March 2010 for Al Jazeera Iceland WikiLeaks ...
Bill Ryerson
Reply to @David Amos:
I'll check it out in the morning. My bed is calling me. Thanks for all the info. Have a great rest of the evening.
I'll check it out in the morning. My bed is calling me. Thanks for all the info. Have a great rest of the evening.
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Bill Ryerson: My comment are beginning to go poof anyway
Kevin Chelsea
As a rural Canadian
who is sick of being fleeced by xplornet and having ZERO other options. I
can't wait for Starlink. Canadian companies sat on their hands and did
nothing long enough, we want rural internet.
Lynn Mathews
Reply to @Kevin Chelsea: hope you keep us posted how it works for you when you get it.
David Amos
Reply to @Kevin Chelsea: I use a cell to get data
Elon Tanner
This is great news. It will provide broadband to rural Canadians and it won't cost taxpayers a penny.
Rural broadband - DONE!
Reply to @Teddy
Clifton: 'SpaceX has said it will begin beta tests on the service with
volunteer households in Canada and northern areas of the United States
this fall.'
Rural broadband - DONE!
Teddy Clifton
Reply to @Elon Tanner: Can you give us the name of whatever elixir you are on so we can all feel the rapture?
David Amos
Content disabled
Teddy Clifton
Reply to @David Amos: "and it won't cost taxpayers a penny.
Rural broadband - DONE!" is my reference to rapture.
Rural broadband - DONE!" is my reference to rapture.
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Teddy Clifton: Methinks you are conferring with my ghost N'esy Pas?John
Raymond
Reply to @Teddy Clifton: Please explain how it will cost Canadian Taxpayers??
Teddy Clifton
Reply to @John
Raymond: I already have--although i don't say taxpayers i say ultimate
users of the service. Read my comments on this thread please.
Tony Masters
Musk
needs to create this network in order to be able to sell autonomous
driving vehicles across Canada in the next 10 years. Transportation as a
Service
Joe MacLeod
Joe MacLeod
Reply to @Tony Masters:
Autonomous passenger vehicles are several decades away.
Autonomous passenger vehicles are several decades away.
David Amos
Reply to @Joe MacLeod: Are you sure about that?
Speeding Tesla driver caught napping behind the wheel on Alberta highway
Driver and passenger were reclined in their seats while car in autopilot, RCMP say
Wallis Snowdon · CBC News · Posted: Sep 17, 2020 1:55 PM
Speeding Tesla driver caught napping behind the wheel on Alberta highway
Driver and passenger were reclined in their seats while car in autopilot, RCMP say
Wallis Snowdon · CBC News · Posted: Sep 17, 2020 1:55 PM
Bill Ryerson
Reply to @David Amos:
That's crazy lol.
That's crazy lol.
Marcel Stanford
Reply to @Tony
Masters: Even now people can't afford to buy a car which is why leasing
is so popular. One step away from pay as you play, as you suggest.
Chris McNee
Reply to @Joe MacLeod:
they exist in the currant Tesla models however the caution goes
something like “use at own risk” Autonomous vehicles have been tested
for the last 10 years give or take. The only pushback is from the big 3
Gm, Ford and Chrysler as they are still behind the right ball in
technology. Autonomous technology first became proven in the late 70’s
through general dynamics and through the skunkworks folks who develop
middle systems. The first proven autonomous system was the Patriot
system that launches rockets to counter attack a strike. The technology
for cars isn’t as advanced but it’s the same principles.
Joe MacLeod
Reply to @Chris McNee:
Autopilot is no more advanced than a half dozen other systems out there. They are not self driving, they are aided cruise control. Autopilot is level 2 autonomy, full self driving is level 5. We're decades away.
Autopilot is no more advanced than a half dozen other systems out there. They are not self driving, they are aided cruise control. Autopilot is level 2 autonomy, full self driving is level 5. We're decades away.
Joe MacLeod
Reply to @Chris McNee:
Also, Cadillac has supercruise that's actually more advanced than the Tesla system.
Also, Cadillac has supercruise that's actually more advanced than the Tesla system.
Rory Weiner
Reply to @Joe MacLeod: lol I think you will be surprised how far off your assumption is
Joe MacLeod
Reply to @Rory Weiner:
How's that?
How's that?
Joe MacLeod
Reply to @David Amos: Yes. I am. All we have now is advanced cruise control and people who abuse it.
Tony Masters
Reply to @Joe
MacLeod: We are not decades away. Even the auto plants are retooling
for this change in their recent contracts. Within 7 years there will be
autonomous transportation as a service vehicles. They will be
necessary to deal with agin boomers who can no longer maintain a drivers
licence. It also solves the whole Uber/Lyft problem too.
Fred Brewer
Reply to @Joe
MacLeod: And Bill Gates said the internet was just a fad and that nobody
would ever need more than 640k of computer memory. You are so wrong on
your prediction of autonomous driving it reminded me of Gate's famous
words.
Joe MacLeod
Reply to @Tony Masters:
Why would autoplants have to retool for these systems? They'd just be integrated when they switch models.
We're decades away, like it or not.
Why would autoplants have to retool for these systems? They'd just be integrated when they switch models.
We're decades away, like it or not.
Joe MacLeod
Reply to @Fred Brewer:
How do you know I'm wrong when I'm making a prediction? Have a crystal ball?
How do you know I'm wrong when I'm making a prediction? Have a crystal ball?
Fred Brewer
Reply to @Joe
MacLeod: I have watched all the prototypes and I have ridden in a Tesla.
The technology is actually here now, but they are still tweaking it to
make it even safer. Tweaks don't take decades Joe. Get informed please.
Tony Masters
Reply to @Joe
MacLeod: Within the next decade. Check the Linux Hyperledger Network
that most manufacturers are already implementing. Automotive Grade
Linux
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Joe MacLeod:
FYI cruise control on my 1965 Cadillac near killed me years ago but I
excused it as being ust a bug in the early design. However even though
that was bad enough many moons later a brand new rented Mercury Marquis
put my Clan in the ditch in the middle of a snowstorm because it did not
offer any indication that I had engaged the cruise control by
accidentally touching the button on the steering wheel. I read its
manual afterwards and it said not all models have an indicator light.
Can you imagine how many souls spun into oncoming traffic instead of
landing in a ditch? Methinks they must have fixed it by know Nesy Pas?
Chris McNee
Reply to @Joe
MacLeod: hmmm so the feature that allows you to stand by a mall entrance
and summons you passengerless (made up word) car that will drive to you
is far more advanced than simple cruise control. The technology of self
driving cars exists but not released for public use. I give it about 10
years before it’s an accepted feature.
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Fred
Brewer: Methinks everybody knows the Internet as it benefits the common
man is fast going the way of the Dodo Bird just like Free Speech' has
N'esy Pas?Joe MacLeod
Reply to @Fred Brewer:
Autopilot is level 2 autonomy. Level 5 is self driving. Look into before you spout this fanboy nonsense.
Autopilot is level 2 autonomy. Level 5 is self driving. Look into before you spout this fanboy nonsense.
Joe MacLeod
Reply to @Chris McNee:
Flying cars, next big breakthrough in batteries, self driving cars and jetpacks are perpetually just a few years away.
Flying cars, next big breakthrough in batteries, self driving cars and jetpacks are perpetually just a few years away.
John Dunn
Reply to @Joe MacLeod: Some people think that cruise control is for autonomous driving. Results proved not to be helpful.
David Amos
Reply to @Fred Brewer: Oh My My
John Raymond
Reply to @Marcel
Stanford: Buy a used car, they last just as long. I buy old cars no
problems. Bought a 2003 Sunfire with 100'000 km's on it been driving it
for 3 years so far and now have 200,000 km's on it. Cost about 2800.00 I
have only replaced fuel pump. I have a 2005 4x4 Ram and a 2011 AWD Kia.
Why by new?
Evan Hildreth
Reply to @Tony
Masters: "_____ as a Service" is just another way of saying
"pay-per-use". So every time I take my kids to daycare I will have to
pay Musk. Every time I go to a store I will have to pay Musk, and Musk
will know what store I went to. No thanks.
Fred Brewer
Reply to @Joe
MacLeod: LOL you do realize that very definition of level 2 autonomy is
self driving, but a human should (note I said should) be on standby to
intervene. This unfortunately has not stopped some idiots from falling
asleep while their EV drives them to their destination at 90 miles (yes
miles) per hour!!!
David Amos
Reply
to @Joe MacLeod: Methinks its rather obvious that your newfound buddy
Fred read the article I pointed out to you because you failed to respond
to his last poke at you for several hours what wou two dudes don't know
is that my son owns a brand new Tesla and I called Musk's tax lawyer
in LA today after some of my other remarks went "Poof" Although I am
just chopped liver to you two as you went on with your silly spit and
chew I do reserve the right to laugh as i read it and save a record of
it in my blog which many already know that i did and tweeted about it as
well N'esy Pas?
Harvey York
Reply to @David Amos: your blog is fake news, chopped liver
Lou Bell
Great
, as long as those Canadains who for whatever reasons won't use it
don't need to subsidize for it . And if they don't , all the power to
them ! Time for Rogers / Bell / Telus to either sharpen their pencils or
suffer the consequences .
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Lou Bell: Cry me a riverJohn Raymond
Reply to @Lou Bell: The Canadian Government is not subsidizing it. You don't actually know much about starlink do you?
Charles
Belair
This sounds like a wonderful way to clog the skies with Musk's equipment and create problems we do not yet fully comprehend.
Elon Tanner
Reply to @Charles Belair:
Lol.
Clog the skies.
SMH.
Lol.
Clog the skies.
SMH.
John Raymond
Reply to @Charles
Belair: Nope, When no longer needed they are programmed to re-enter
earth atmosphere and will burn up. They are already working so well the
US military is planning to use them as well.
David Amos
Reply to @John Raymond: True
Bill Ryerson
The more competition the better.
David Amos
Reply to @Bill Ryerson: I Wholeheartedly Agree Sir
loyd bold
Lots of Rogers and Bell employees on here.Joe MacLeod
Reply to @loyd bold:
Do you check for Liberals under your bed before you go to sleep?
Do you check for Liberals under your bed before you go to sleep?
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Joe MacLeod: Methinks everybody knows that they hide under rocks in my neck of the woods N'esy Pas?
Frank Albanese
Well let's hope it's better than the current satellite provider we have available. Would be hard to be worse mind you.......
Ray Fox
Reply to @Frank Albanese: fibre optics is better
Joe MacLeod
Reply to @Ray Fox:
Fiber op isn't available in most rural locations, no matter how much you say it.
Fiber op isn't available in most rural locations, no matter how much you say it.
Rory Cain
Reply to @Ray Fox: Running cable, even fiber, everywhere is old school.
Joe MacLeod
Reply to @loyd bold:
That's a bit paranoid.
That's a bit paranoid.
John Raymond
Reply to @Ray Fox: Not available in many places
David Amos
Reply to @Frank Albanese: Oh So True
Buford Wilson
I can hardly wait.
Dat a fact, Jack.
I'm jealous of your internet plan though. I pay the same for <1 mbps.
Reply to @Troy Bodi: Methinks you should say hey to Martine Turcotte and her many cohorts for me N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Buford Wilson: Me Too
Donald Tupin
The
Canadian government should have developed this years ago instead of
bowing down to the telcoms. Communication is an essential service that
should be nationalized.
John
Raymond
Reply to @Donald
Tupin: No the government should not have been paying for this if they
did it would be hundreds of billions over budget and would never work.
Donald Tupin
Reply to @John
Raymond: Read that nonsense on your QAnon feed? Should the Canadian
military be privatized since the government cant do anything right?
John
Raymond
Reply to @Donald
Tupin: Well Telesat has said they can build one but it will cost
billions and will not work as good as starlink.
John
Raymond
Reply to @Donald
Tupin: Funny SpaceX has developed rockets faster then NASA ever thought
was possible. Starship is already advancing past anything any other
country could develop.
Donald Tupin
Reply to @John
Raymond: What is your point? Are you aware Starlink cost over US$10
billion? You want Canada to do it for CAD$10 million?
Donald Tupin
Reply to @John
Raymond: SpaceX has been build on the technology that has been developed
by governments over the last 70 years. Musk did not come up with some
no magic.
John
Raymond
Reply to @Donald
Tupin: Well SpaceX has come up with some of the magic and improved it.
No other company or government own as many satellites, no other
government can build a rocket as fast as SpaceX. No other company or
government can land their booster, no other company or country is
building a fully reusable rocket.
Donald Tupin
Reply to @John Raymond: More and faster does not mean better.
John
Raymond
Reply to @Donald Tupin: Turns out his are better.Donald
Tupin
Reply to @John
Raymond: So you compared his specs to the others? BTW the first ion
propulsion rocket was developed by NASA back in the early 1960s not by
Musk.
John
Raymond
Reply to @Donald
Tupin: Did I say it was developed by Musk?? How many countries have self
landing rockets? How many have reusable rockets that can be refurbished
in 30 days? By the way did the other rocket company who are they
Lockheed have they launched yet.
Donald Tupin
Reply to @John
Raymond: NASA been using ion propulsion for many years. Self landing and
reusable does not mean safer. Do you use re-usable condoms?
John
Raymond
Reply to @Donald
Tupin: Not quite the something, let's see Musk has chopped the cost of
launches that almost nobody can compete with him. Every country
acknowledges that reusable is good.
Bill Farley
Reply to @Donald Tupin: A quick wash and they're good to go!
David Amos
Reply to @Donald Tupin: Dream on
James
Holden
That's excellent news.
Now High speed internet will be available to rural Canada
Now High speed internet will be available to rural Canada
Joe MacLeod
Reply to @James Holden:
It's still in beta, but it's a step in the right direction.
It's still in beta, but it's a step in the right direction.
Peter Hill
Reply to @James Holden: yes but just for the 3 or 4% who don’t have any now.
John
Raymond
Reply to @James
Holden: Canadian government holding it up as long as possible. Liberals
don't want rural places to have internet.
David Amos
Reply to @John
Raymond: Methinks thats because too many rural folks vote for their
opposition However the conservatives are no better N'esy Pas?
Raymond
Berry
This
has been years in development, and is long overdue. Why can't
Canadians have more competition like this? Musk's pitch is a good one.
Why do we pay over 80 dollars a month for decent internet access, which
INCLUDES a promise of NETWORK NEUTRALITY? Now on the converse side of
things, Musk knows his primary market income is NOT from rural areas,
but large cities where people are tired of the needs of shareholders are
becoming too high a burden for the average consumer. Rural access was
just the foot in the door around the lobbying of the big 4 to keep real
competition out. Our relatively small market of 38 million people isn't
anything his constellation cannot handle, once it's built out.
Advanced testing is already underway, with public beta testing to follow
in the new year. Competition works for consumerss, and I have proof.
Here in Lloydminster, the open secret to cheaper cell rates is to get a
306 telephone number, because the other carriers have to compete against
SaskTel. Teksavvy has been in a long, drawn out court fight with it's
wholesale providers of internet services (the same big 4) for discounts
that were court ordered and mandated by law, but never received. Now
tat a new pipe that is not under their control has been allowed into the
marketplace, we'll see if Musk is right and perhaps Canada will finally
have fair and reasonable prices for internet services that are not
controlled by content creators and/or beholden to old business models
that have no place in the 21st century.
John Raymond
Reply to @Raymond Berry: Actually this is for the rural markets around the world.
Francis Lee
Reply to @Raymond Berry: If Musk's satellite Internet service is as "cheap" as his cars, his service will be very pricey.
John Raymond
Reply to @Francis Lee: It will be around 120 Canadian, considering I pay 100 for a system
that barely works, I would easily pay Musk 150 - 200 for something that
actually works. Musk is often late but he does deliver and sadly for the
Liberals it doesn't cost tax payers
Joe MacLeod
Reply to @John Raymond:
SpaceX has used millions in government money.
SpaceX has used millions in government money.
John Raymond
Reply to @Joe MacLeod: Really show how much money the Canadian Government has paid towards it.
Francis Lee
Reply to @John
Raymond: There is no guarantee that Musk's network will work any better
than presently available alternatives. They haven't even done beta
testing yet.
Joe MacLeod
Reply to @John Raymond:
My point still stands.
My point still stands.
John Raymond
Reply to @Joe MacLeod: To bad your point is wrong, please tell me how much Canadian Money Musk has received for starlink.
Raymond
Berry
Reply to @Francis Lee:
Unlike his other venture (Tesla), the aim of Starlink (a subset of his
money making venture, SpaceX) is fair and reasonable pricing in markets
that do not have fair competition. Canada as an entire country doesn't
have much of that since the Harper government allowed the consolidation
of content creators, telcos, and legacy cable providers to merge with
the intent of restricting competition, not boosting it. I agree that,
on technical stuff, network lag will be more than it is on hard wired
networks, but that's only important to the online gamer crowd, not for
general internet usage or TV/phone services, which most Canadians use.
Musk has been called many things, but he's not been called a dumb
businessman. He sees that he can deliver a service for less than half
what most people pay, and I'm very interested in anything that promotes
fair pricing for the consumer.
Joe
MacLeod
Reply to @John Raymond:
You said:
"Musk is often late but he does deliver and sadly for the Liberals it doesn't cost tax payers"
He has cost taxpayers money, just not Canadian ones. My point stands.
You said:
"Musk is often late but he does deliver and sadly for the Liberals it doesn't cost tax payers"
He has cost taxpayers money, just not Canadian ones. My point stands.
Raymond
Berry
Reply to @Joe
MacLeod: Quite true. US government money. He's the low cost provider
for NASA, their military, and other private companies with US government
contracts. He dared to innovate, where his competitors got stuck
wallowing in the 'cost-plus' contractor model, and he's beating them
soundly.
John Raymond
Reply to @Joe
MacLeod: Your point is still wrong and as of yet he has not received any
money from the US. He will as he beat the requirements but up until now
no. So yes you are wrong. Again
Raymond
Berry
Reply to @John
Raymond: Explain how allowing mega-mergers boosted competition. There
was no such bargain for Canadians in that action. I live in an oil town
(Lloydminster) that is hard core Tory territory, and the Harper legacy
is just a faded dream here. You can't have it both ways, and the patch
is living proof of that. Either you boost competition and allow the
marketplace to decide who wins or loses, or you allow M&A's (Mergers
and acquisitions) to fatten your campaign wallets, in spite of a crash
everyone knew was coming, but was ignored until it was too late. That
is why Starlink is an important step forward for hope that real
competition from outside the country can do what politicians promised
and failed to deliver.
Reply to @Raymond
Berry: There is no evidence that SpaceX is currently profitable, and
everyone knows that Tesla loses money on every car sold. Most Canadians
have fast reliable Internet service. I have Bell MTS Fibe up to 50 mbps
in my home in a small rural town over an hour from Winnipeg and would
have no use for Musk's network.
John Raymond
Reply to @Francis
Lee: I live 45 km's from Ottawa and you say I have fast reliable
internet? Where do I get this? Please tell because nobody knows about
this secret. I can show you many areas only 30 minutes from Ottawa some
with no internet. But you have stated this is not true. So please tell
me where I can get at least 30 mb/s.
Joe MacLeod
Reply to @John Raymond:
"Elon Musk’s growing empire is fueled by $4.9 billion in government subsidies"
LA Times
"Elon Musk’s growing empire is fueled by $4.9 billion in government subsidies"
LA Times
John Raymond
Reply to @Joe MacLeod: How much of that is Canadian? To the best of my knowledge it is zero, prove me wrong.
Raymond
Berry
Reply to @Francis Lee:
I have no complaints against the quality of services in general from
the big 4, except that they are very overpriced when compared to service
from other providers. I have issues with control over these networks,
because if there were no fear of competition, then why is Teksavvy
fighting for it's mandated and court backed discounts that were never
received? Network neutrality is an issue, because content creators have
won the right to censor anything on their systems that threatens their
monopolies, in spite of the fact that old business models are not going
to be protected in the 21st century. The only way they can maintain
control is to own, but the tipping point over what is fair, reasonable,
and tolerable to a majority of Canadian households (particularly the
costs) has long been passed. This is what is fresh and exciting about
Starlink. As for valuation, SpaceX is valued at 46 BILLION dollars.
That's a lot of positive cash flow backing this effort. I like what I
see coming, and perhaps Bell will lower your rates too once that
competition begins to bite them.
Reply to @Raymond
Berry: Bell would have to increase my speed by at least 10 times and
guarantee that it will not drop for 1 year (It drops everyday right now)
as well I want it free for 5 years for all their BS
Joe MacLeod
Reply to @John Raymond:
You never said Canadian taxpayer. You said taxpayer. Are you dense?
You never said Canadian taxpayer. You said taxpayer. Are you dense?
Joanne Cartie
Reply to @Francis Lee: Many Canadians that live outside of cities have no internet or very slow unreliable internet.
David Amos
Reply to @Joe MacLeod: Are you?
David Amos
Reply
to @Joanne Cartier: Everybody in this tread knows that and not hard to
figure out who two of them are spinning for Methinks its not rocket
science N'esy Pas?
Glen Parrott
So the article reads
""The Commission received 2,585 interventions regarding Space
Exploration Technologies Corp.'s BITs application," reads the notice.
"After consideration of the comments received, the Commission has approved the application and a BITS licence is enclosed.""
What the heck is BITs??
"After consideration of the comments received, the Commission has approved the application and a BITS licence is enclosed.""
What the heck is BITs??
David Amos
Reply to @Glen Parrott:
Basic International Telecommunications Services (BITS) Licensees
Transmitting Traffic Internationally
BITS licensees are entities that the CRTC has authorized to carry telecommunications traffic between Canada and any other country. Only telecommunications providers that have a BITS licence may carry traffic internationally.
Basic International Telecommunications Services (BITS) Licensees
Transmitting Traffic Internationally
BITS licensees are entities that the CRTC has authorized to carry telecommunications traffic between Canada and any other country. Only telecommunications providers that have a BITS licence may carry traffic internationally.
Joe Attard
With
any satellite based system the latency will be horrible. It's only a
viable alternative if there is no cell service at all. Hardly
competition for the big three telcos.
McCrank Res
Reply to @Joe Attard: Not true. At all. Read up about it.
The difference in Starlink is they are in low orbits so latency is also low, similar to existing broadband.
Compared to what people spend on cell data Starlink is far cheaper.
Forget Bell and Rogers.
Simply search Starlink if you are interested in facts at all.
The difference in Starlink is they are in low orbits so latency is also low, similar to existing broadband.
Compared to what people spend on cell data Starlink is far cheaper.
Forget Bell and Rogers.
Simply search Starlink if you are interested in facts at all.
Derek Gudmundson
Reply to @Joe Attard: What do you think Bell and Shaw have been using for years to provide cable, even 4k programming?
John Raymond
Reply to @Joe Attard:
The latency is less then 30 and it is expected to drop below 20 beating
rural DSL, in fact it will exceed the latency need to play video games.
James Holden
Reply to @Joe Attard:
Low latency from low earth orbit.
Low latency from low earth orbit.
John Raymond
Reply to @Joe Attard: Latency is less then 30
David Amos
Reply to @McCrank Res: i concur
Lucian Patterson
Finally Bell and Rogers monopoly will end and prices will go down.
Derek Gudmundson
Reply to @Lucian Patterson: I regret getting a cell phone 6 years ago, now strapped with a $140 bill per month.
John Raymond
Reply to @Derek Gudmundson: This is not for cell phones.
Derek Gudmundson
Reply to @John Raymond: ohh I know, just stating.
David Amos
Reply to @Lucian Patterson: Methinks rural folks would not be wise to bet the farm on prices going down N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Derek
Gudmundson: Me too but I had to in order get the Internet at my abode
and my bill is just over 162 loonies for 100 gigs
Derek Gudmundso
Our
government doesn't have a say in it in the first place. Elon Musk is
not Canadian, secondly his company SpaceX is not a Canadian company. All
our telecommunications regulator's said is "Yes, we'ld be happy to use
your product"
These are extremely small satellites that will burn up into dust upon re-entry. So enough about JT, cause I'm sick of you that suffer from PTES putting our Prime Minister's name into the discussion like he decides everything.
These are extremely small satellites that will burn up into dust upon re-entry. So enough about JT, cause I'm sick of you that suffer from PTES putting our Prime Minister's name into the discussion like he decides everything.
James Holden
Reply to @Derek Gudmundson:
Elon Musk does have Canadian citizenship.
His Mother is Canadian
Elon Musk does have Canadian citizenship.
His Mother is Canadian
Joe MacLeod
Reply to @Derek Gudmundson:
Actually, Elon Musk does hold Canadian citizenship.
Actually, Elon Musk does hold Canadian citizenship.
Francis Lee:
Reply to @Derek
Gudmundson: Actually Elon Musk, although is a South African living in
the US, his first university was Queen's in Kingston.
David Amos
Reply to @Joe MacLeod: Surprise Surprise Surprise
McCrank
Res
Governments in Canada needs to stop spending on providing rural internet.
"We've been talking about it for the last 15 years and we're still no further ahead for the rural communities. So this will be a game-changer, economically."
"bringing Starlink to Canada would be of zero cost to the federal government, with the company apparently asking for no financial support. He said that makes this an easy decision."
Search "Northern towns push to approve Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet project".
"We've been talking about it for the last 15 years and we're still no further ahead for the rural communities. So this will be a game-changer, economically."
"bringing Starlink to Canada would be of zero cost to the federal government, with the company apparently asking for no financial support. He said that makes this an easy decision."
Search "Northern towns push to approve Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet project".
John
Raymond
Reply to @McCrank
Res: Most likely that is the problem many Liberals want to find a way to
waste billions of dollars of tax payer money. Trudeau is giving 2
Billion for Telesat to build a system which they admit will not be as
good as Starlink and will take 3-5 years before being operational and
they have not even started. Nothing a Liberal likes better then to waste
Billions.
David Amos
Reply to @McCrank Res: Amen
Murray Gelatino
"The
vast majority of the interveners were individual Canadians living in
rural areas of the country who support the application." Dat a fact, Jack.
Murray
Gelatino
Without evidence?
Murray
Gelatino
SpaceX did not respond to a CBC request for comment Monday.
John
Raymond
Reply to @Murray
Gelatino: Well the CRTC said it was. So yeah probably a fact. I guess
they could be lying. Yes I am on that list as well. I get 5 mb/s average
3 and pay bell 120 bucks a month and I only live 40 km's from Ottawa.
Murray
Gelatino
Seems more like you'll have it and like it.John
Raymond
Reply to @Murray Gelatino: I highly doubt SpaceX will respond the CBC at all.
Troy Bodi
Reply to @John
Raymond: I am on that list as well, as opposed. Musk is reckless and the
money should stay in Canada. All the government hast to do is make it a
requirement of everyone's license that they must serve the entire
region, or not at all. No more cherry picking the dense urban areas and
leaving the rest of us out. I'm jealous of your internet plan though. I pay the same for <1 mbps.
John
Raymond
Reply to @Troy Bodi:
So your are in agreement with the Liberals that we should build a poor
system and funnel billions for a system that will not work very well and
will take upwards of 10 years. No thanks. Musk is better then any group
in Canada and cost the Canadian Government zero. If we want to keep the
money in Canada then we need to guarantee to have one up and running
before Spring of 2021 at a cost of zero dollars to tax payers running as
well or better then Musk Starlink.
James Holden
Reply to @Murray Gelatino:
They were launching another 60 satellites
They were launching another 60 satellites
Troy Bodi
Reply to @John
Raymond: I don't think WE should build anything. I think Bell or Telus
or whomever should build it. Someone (the government) just needs to
force their hand. They're not going to invest in low density areas
unless they are forced to.
John
Raymond
Reply to @Troy Bodi:
Why build something when it is already or about to be working, I guess
Liberals do like watching money get wasted
Troy Bodi
Reply to @John
Raymond: First off, with Musk, Everything is 'already or about to be
working' and he has a pretty stellar record of releasing designs into
the world in a beta stage to let his fanboys, sorry 'customers' work out
the bugs for him.
Second: You're OK with giving up our internet data to an american company? Will SpaceX be paying taxes in Canada on this enterprise?
Third: Bell et al have a pretty well established foundation in Canadian telecommunications. No reason not to continue with that relationship.
Fourth: If you turn everything into a partisan issue, then you look foolish. There is nothing productive about that approach.
Second: You're OK with giving up our internet data to an american company? Will SpaceX be paying taxes in Canada on this enterprise?
Third: Bell et al have a pretty well established foundation in Canadian telecommunications. No reason not to continue with that relationship.
Fourth: If you turn everything into a partisan issue, then you look foolish. There is nothing productive about that approach.
David Amos
Reply to @Murray Gelatino: YUP
David Amos
Content disabled
Murray Brown
The
pious government of Justin Trudeau which preaches global warming is
evil that must be fought with taxes on middle income Canadians, is
giving approval and permission to Musk to pollute earths atmosphere with
12,000 low earth satellites? Hypocritical.
Reply to @Murray
Brown: Wow certainly over the top, unnecessary and factually incorrect.
It is not often you see posts with absolutely no semblance of truth to
them
Methinks you love the circus as much as I N'esy Pas?
June Arnott
Reply to @Murray Brown: The Tool can cancel that, if he wins
John
Raymond
Reply to @Murray Brown: Trudeau is not giving starlink approval to launch satellites, he has zero say in it at all.
For the thousands of people who either have no internet or have poor internet such as myself this will bring real speed and costs the Canadian government nothing.
For the thousands of people who either have no internet or have poor internet such as myself this will bring real speed and costs the Canadian government nothing.
Al Clark
Reply to @Murray Brown: Fight illiteracy; vote ABC,
JOhn D Bond
John
Raymond
Reply to @Al Clark: fight corruption toss the liberals
Al Clark
Reply to @John Raymond: fake lake, airbus, karlheinz schreiber...
Murray
Brown
Reply to @John
Raymond: .... And result in 12,000 pieces of space junk floating around
in our atmosphere.... Space junk that will likely be actual junk by the
time Musk's 'vision of the internet' is accomplished... By that time,
newer tech will replace his outdated tech and these satellites will be
nothing more than a nuisance.
Derek Gudmundson
Reply to @Murray Brown: Ohhh my, you'll go to no length to stuff JT's name into a subject edge wise.
I think you suffer from PTES. Post Traumatic Election Syndrome, probably should get some meds for that.
I think you suffer from PTES. Post Traumatic Election Syndrome, probably should get some meds for that.
John
Raymond
Reply to @Al Clark: SNC, WE, enough said right there
John
Raymond
Reply to @Murray
Brown: You are aware these satellites are programmed at end of life to
move into the earth and burn up into nothing.
John
Raymond
Reply to @Murray
Brown: Also Trudeau has zero say in the launching of the satellites.
100% Zero say. The little clown is just that a clown
Derek Gudmundson
Reply to @John Raymond: No he's not. He's too concerned about putting our Prime Minister into the discussion.
That was my first thought when reading the first two sentences in the article. Knowing that it's extremely small, it would simply burn up on re-entry.
That was my first thought when reading the first two sentences in the article. Knowing that it's extremely small, it would simply burn up on re-entry.
Derek Gudmundson
Reply to @John
Raymond: Elon Musk is not Canadian nor is Space X a Canadian company
which gives our government even less than zero say.
All our telecommunications regulator said is "Yes, we'ld be happy to use your product"
All our telecommunications regulator said is "Yes, we'ld be happy to use your product"
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @June Arnott: Methinks you told Mr Raymond to be nice N''esy Pas?David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @John Raymond: "The little clown is just that a clown" Methinks you love the circus as much as I N'esy Pas?
June Arnott
so when they start to fall, which all satellites do, who do we get the sue for injuries and damages?
More space junk is not the answer, this is NOT a good plan. But it will make money so who cares right
More space junk is not the answer, this is NOT a good plan. But it will make money so who cares right
Steven Mallaley
Reply to @June Arnott: It will do like all the other space junk. Burn up and disintegrate upon entry.
John Raymond
Reply to @June Arnott: these satellites are built to burn up upon reentry and everyone is aware of that
Derek Gudmundson
Reply to @June Arnott: They are small and will burn up into dust upon re-entry.
It's not even close to the size of an actual satellite.
It's not even close to the size of an actual satellite.
June Arnott
Reply to @John Raymond: John, be nice, DuPont be condescending
David Amos
Reply to @June Arnott: You brought it up
Sidney Hamilton
I wonder if I'd be
able to get it in my apartment so I'd no longer have to deal with the
building's exclusive contract with bell -_-
John Raymond
Reply to @Sidney Hamilton: as long as you have a place outside to mount the dish., yes.
David Amos
Reply to @John Raymond: I doubt you will need a dish
Johnny Jakobs
Any
competition for BELL is welcomed by me. I'm sick of the monopoly they
have and the lack of infrastructure invested in rural communities.
June Arnott
Reply to @Johnny Jakobs: Bell doesn't care about its own employees let alone their customers, All about the money!
Johnny Jakobs
Reply to @June Arnott: I agree 100%
Shawn D.
Brenner
Reply to @Johnny
Jakobs: if you think this service will be sold directly to the public
you're dreaming. It will be licensed through Bell and Rogers the typical
monopoly game. Maximum profit.
Guillermo Bright
Reply to @Johnny Jakobs: Star light Star bright .The first StarLink I see tonight!
Ahzed Tahad
Reply to @Shawn D.
Brenner: There is no indication whatsoever that this is how spacex
intends to operate in Canada. In fact these approvals suggest that they
will be operating independent of current canadian telcos
Johnny Jakobs
Reply to @Shawn D.
Brenner: maybe but I like to dream. Its a definite step in the right
direction. As for how it rolls out... no idea. Who sells Tesla
vehicles? Ford? Dodge? Toyota?
Maybe they will sell their own product for maximum profit? Like alot of successful companies.
Maybe they will sell their own product for maximum profit? Like alot of successful companies.
Joanne Cartier
Reply to @Johnny Jakobs: Telus is just as bad.
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @June
Arnott: Methinks Higgy et al know that if you were to mention the name
of the lawyer Martine Turcotte and me in the same sentence you would get
quite chuckle as you watched people's eyes when they used their Bell
smart phones to say our names into the Internet N'esy Pas?David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Jakobs: Me Too
JOhn D Bond
This will be really
good news for remote communities. The governments instead of continuing
down the path of subsidizing multiple ISP's in local communities should
be allowing free market principals to address the issue now that a
player is on the scene with an apparent solution.
Starlink has the potential ability to change the landscape.Companies like Bell/Rogers/Telus/Shaw /Cogeco will be forced to compete on a different basis which will be good for the consumer.
Starlink has the potential ability to change the landscape.Companies like Bell/Rogers/Telus/Shaw /Cogeco will be forced to compete on a different basis which will be good for the consumer.
David Amos
Reply to @JOhn D Bond: You don't say
Darren Croft
Skynet you say
David Amos
Reply to @Darren Croft: Not yet
https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2020/lt200706.htm
Telecom - Procedural letter addressed to Michael Sylvester (Space Exploration Technologies Corp.)
Ottawa, 6 July 2020
Our reference: 8190-S206-202002799
BY EMAIL
Mr. Michael Sylvester
Space Exploration Technologies Corp.
1 Rocket Road,
Hawthorne, CA 90250
michael.sylvester@spacex.com
RE: Basic International Telecommunications Services (BITS) Licence for Space Exploration Technologies Corp.
Dear Mr. Sylvester:
On 1 May 2020, Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) filed a registration letter which included a request to obtain a Basic International Telecommunications Services (BITS) licence.
On 20 May 2020 the Commission published SpaceX’s BITS request on the Commission’s website and provided an opportunity for any interested parties to file interventions by 26 June 2020, commenting on SpaceX’s request.
The Commission received a number of interventions, both in support of and in opposition to this request, which have been added to the public record of this proceeding available on the Commission’s website under the link ”Closed BITS licences”.
After further analysis Commission staff consider it necessary to provide SpaceX with an opportunity to reply to the interventions submitted to the Commission.
Therefore, SpaceX may, by 17 July 2020, file a reply with respect to the interventions submitted to the Commission.
Please note that if a document is to be filed or served by a specific date the document must be received, not merely sent, by that date.
Documents filed with the Commission electronically must be submitted via “My CRTC Account”. Instructions on how to obtain a My CRTC Account to submit applications and other documents using your My CRTC Account are available on the Commission’s website. Once you have established your My CRTC Account, click the Telecom Cover Page link on the webpage, which will redirect you to the CRTC’s Privacy and Security Statement; clicking on the “Proceed to Telecom Cover Page” button at the bottom of this page will bring you to a screen that will enable you to log in via your GC Key. Once you have logged in, you may continue through the steps that are required to file your submission.
A copy of this procedural letter and all related correspondence will be added to the public record of the proceeding. Persons that wish to designate information contained in their submissions as confidential must do so in accordance with the Telecommunications ActFootnote1 and with the CRTC Rules of Practice and ProcedureFootnote2. This requires that:
- A person wishing to designate information as confidential must provide a detailed explanation regarding:
- why the information falls into a category that may be designated as confidential; and
- why disclosure would not be in the public interest, including the specific direct harm that would be likely to result from the disclosure and why this would outweigh the public interest in disclosure.
- A person designating information as confidential must either file an abridged version of the document, omitting only the information designated as confidential, or provide reasons why an abridged version cannot be filed.
Sincerely,
Original Philippe Tousignant
Philippe Tousignant
Director, Planning, Research & Reporting
c.c: Kim Brisson St-Jean, CRTC, kim.brisson-st-jean@crtc.gc.ca
Footnotes
- Footnote 1
-
S.C. 1993, C. 38.
- Footnote 2
-
For additional information on practices and procedures relating to the designation of information as confidential, please see sections 38 and 39 of the Act, sections 32 and 33 of the CRTC Rules of Practice and Procedure, and Broadcasting and Telecom Information Bulletin CRTC 2010-961.
TekSavvy demands immediate refund from Bell, Rogers after FCA rejects ‘dubious’ appeals of CRTC wholesale rate decision
ISP says it will cease payments until CRTC-ordered rate correction and refund received in full
Sept 11, 2020
TekSavvy Solutions Inc. (TekSavvy) praised today’s unanimous decision from the Federal Court of Appeal (FCA) rejecting appeals filed by Canada’s largest telecom and cable companies (such as Bell Canada and Rogers), who sought to overturn a key CRTC decision concerning the wholesale rates the large carriers charge TekSavvy and the other independent Internet service providers.
In dismissing the appeals with costs, the FCA noted the large carriers’ arguments were of “dubious merit”. The FCA also lifted the Stay on the implementation of the CRTC’s August 2019 rate decision, which confirmed that the large carriers overstated their costs of providing wholesale access to their networks for years, corrected their rates based on evidence of their costs and ordered the large carriers to repay amounts they overcharged competitors over the 3 year process. The CRTC previously condemned the large carriers’ rate-fixing conduct as “very disturbing” because it would drive smaller competitors out of business and deny Canadians choice for Internet services.
TekSavvy previously filed a formal Complaint with the Competition Bureau, detailing how Bell and Rogers deviated from CRTC-costing rules to inflate wholesale rates they charge competitors, while offering competing retail prices below the wholesale costs they had inflated. TekSavvy submitted that the Government of Canada should order the Competition Bureau to investigate Bell and Rogers’ wholesale rate-fixing activities because it harms competition and keeps Internet prices artificially high at the expense of millions of Canadian consumers.
“The FCA decision is a major step forward in the fight for fair Internet pricing for Canadians. The arguments of Bell and the other carriers have been revealed to be just more baseless tactics designed to stifle competition and keep prices high”, says Andy Kaplan-Myrth, VP of Regulatory and Carrier Affairs for TekSavvy.
Based on the CRTC's August 2019 rate decision and today’s Federal Court of Appeal decision, TekSavvy is owed tens of millions of dollars by the large carriers. Every month, Bell and Rogers continue to game the system and their inflated wholesale rates continue to stifle competition and gouge consumers. TekSavvy expects that the CRTC will once again direct the large carriers to file updated tariffs with the corrected final rates and to refund monies owed, consistent with the CRTC’s prior direction before the Stay. Until that outstanding balance is paid, in full, TekSavvy will be applying the amounts owed, with interest, as a monthly credit on the wholesale fees charged by Bell and Rogers.
About TekSavvy
TekSavvy has been proudly serving Canadians with reliable telecom services for more than 20 years and has won numerous awards for the quality of its service and for its commitment to fighting for consumers’ rights online. With offices in Chatham, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec TekSavvy is Canada’s largest independent telecom service company with over 300,000 customers from coast to coast.
For more information contact:
Trevor Campbell,
The iPR Group
647-201-5409
John Settino,
The iPR Group
416-662-2955
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