Summary#

This bill changes the Telecommunications Act to require internet providers to share clear, accurate information about home internet (fixed broadband) performance. It directs the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to hold public hearings and set the rules for what to measure, how to measure it, and how to present it to the public.

• Requires providers to publish service quality metrics and “typical” download and upload speeds during peak hours (Bill, new s. 24.2(2)(a)-(b)).
• Lets the CRTC define the metrics, testing methods, peak periods, and the format so the information is easy to find and understand (Bill, new s. 24.2(3)(a)-(c),(f)).
• Allows the CRTC to decide if some types of carriers or network technologies are excluded in whole or in part (Bill, new s. 24.2(3)(d)-(e)).
• Requires the CRTC to set compliance monitoring and enforcement measures so services match the published information (Bill, new s. 24.2(3)(g)).
• Applies to fixed broadband delivered by cable, fibre, wireless access, satellite, or similar systems (Bill, new s. 24.2(1),(3)(e)).

What it means for you#

• Households and consumers

  • You will see typical download and upload speeds for peak times, not just “up to” speeds, when shopping for home internet. Timing depends on the CRTC setting the rules after public hearings (Bill, new s. 24.2(2)-(3)).
  • You will see other service quality metrics defined by the CRTC, presented in a simple, accessible format (Bill, new s. 24.2(2)(a),(c), 24.2(3)(f)).
  • If a provider’s service does not match the published information, the CRTC will have enforcement tools. The exact tools will be set after hearings (Bill, new s. 24.2(3)(g)).

• Businesses (internet providers/carriers)

  • You must measure and publish peak-period service quality and typical speeds using methods the CRTC defines, and in the format it requires (Bill, new s. 24.2(2), 24.2(3)(a)-(c),(f)).
  • You may face compliance monitoring and enforcement if your delivered service does not reflect your published metrics (Bill, new s. 24.2(3)(g)).
  • Some carrier types or transmission systems may be excluded in whole or in part, depending on CRTC decisions (Bill, new s. 24.2(3)(d)-(e)).

• Rural and remote users

  • Satellite and fixed wireless services are covered unless the CRTC excludes them. You would see typical speeds for peak periods in your area once rules are in place (Bill, new s. 24.2(1)-(3)).

• Local governments and community organizations

  • You can use standardized, public metrics to assess service quality in your area once the CRTC’s framework is in effect (Bill, new s. 24.2(2)-(3)).

Expenses#

Estimated net cost: Data unavailable.

• No direct spending or appropriations are stated in the bill text (Bill, passim).
• The CRTC must hold public hearings and set a framework. Administrative costs are likely but not specified. Data unavailable (Bill, new s. 24.2(3)).
• Carriers will incur compliance costs to measure, report, and maintain data. Amounts will depend on CRTC’s final methods and scope. Data unavailable (Bill, new s. 24.2(2)-(3)).
• No official fiscal note identified. Data unavailable.

Proponents' View#

• Consumers need clear, comparable peak-period and “typical speed” data to make informed choices; this increases market transparency and competition (Preamble; Bill, new s. 24.2(2)(a)-(b), 24.2(3)(f)).
• Standardized methods and representative sampling across regions reduce misleading claims and make offers comparable across providers and plans (Bill, new s. 24.2(3)(a)-(b)).
• Public hearings ensure the framework reflects real-world use and regional differences, including rural and remote contexts (Bill, new s. 24.2(3)(a)-(c)).
• Enforcement and monitoring help align advertised and delivered service, improving trust and reducing information gaps (Bill, new s. 24.2(3)(g)).
• Flexibility to exclude certain carrier types or technologies prevents undue burden where measurement is not practical, while keeping focus on the largest impacts (Bill, new s. 24.2(3)(d)-(e)).

Opponents' View#

• Compliance could raise costs for providers, especially smaller carriers, if measurement and reporting systems are complex or frequent. The bill does not cap scope or frequency (Bill, new s. 24.2(2)-(3)).
• Time to benefit is uncertain. Consumers will not see new information until after CRTC hearings and rulemaking, with no timelines set in the bill (Bill, new s. 24.2(3)).
• Risk of confusion if multiple metrics are required or if definitions of “peak periods” and “typical speeds” differ across regions or plan types (Bill, new s. 24.2(3)(a)-(c),(f)).
• Uneven coverage is possible if some carrier types or transmission systems are excluded, reducing comparability for users in areas with limited provider choice (Bill, new s. 24.2(3)(d)-(e)).
• Enforcement design is open-ended. Without clear, published penalties or remedies in the statute, effectiveness will depend on the CRTC’s future decisions (Bill, new s. 24.2(3)(g)).