Canadian telecom regulator reinforces commitment to net neutrality

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) published a new Framework for assessing the differential pricing practices of Internet service providers (ISPs), through which it reinforced its commitment to network neutrality, by outlining that ISPs should treat data traffic equally to foster consumer choice, innovation, and the free exchange of ideas. In CRTC’s view, differential pricing (i.e. when the same or similar product or service is offered to customers at different prices) generally gives an unfair advantage or disadvantage to certain content providers and consumers. The new framework is aimed to support the freedom of consumers and citizens to access the online content of their choice without being unduly influenced by the marketing strategies and pricing decisions of ISPs with respect to the transmission of specific content.