Canada Requires ISPs to Divulge Internet Traffic Management Practices

Canadian ISPs will be required to inform retail and wholesale customers at least 30 days, and 60 days respectively, before an Internet traffic management practice takes effect. At that time, ISPs will need to describe how the practice will affect their customers' service. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) -- an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada -- yesterday introduced the new framework to guide ISPs in their use of Internet traffic management practices. The Commission is also requiring ISPs to inform consumers of their practices, which will help them to make more informed decisions about the Internet services they purchase and use. "Canada is the first country to develop and implement a comprehensive approach to Internet traffic management practices," said CRTC Chairman Konrad von Finckenstein in a statement. "The centerpiece of our approach is a framework of analysis that will be employed to determine whether economic and technical practices are acceptable."