On December 14, 2016, the CRTC released CRTC Regulatory Policy 2016-496 establishing the Universal Service Objective, which set an internet connection of at least 50 mbps download speed and 10 mbps upload speed, with unlimited data allowance, as a target for both residences and businesses across Canada168. In addition, the decision set fixed and mobile wireless broadband internet and fixed mobile wireless voice services as “basic telecommunications services.” The regulatory policy has been significant in formalizing the CRTC’s shift in focus towards high-speed internet access.
In addition, the Universal Service Objective of “50/10” has served as the eligibility basis for all significant broadband infrastructure funding initiatives since 2016, including the Universal Broadband Fund and the CRTC’s Broadband Fund, and for the federal government’s long term innovation agenda more broadly.
References
168CRTC. Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2016-496. 21 December 2016.