The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has introduced an online tool called Communication Service Providers in Canada, enabling residential and business customers to search for phone, mobile, Internet and television services available in their area.
Users can also access details such as how different kinds of providers work, and learn about the types of communication technologies they use. In addition to providing tips to help users get more from the services available to them, the portal includes facts about switching providers and links to third-party websites that provide ratings and comparisons related to quality and the value of communication packages.
What's interesting about the release of the CRTC's new online tool is its timing. The regulator is releasing the tool 10 days before Canada's pay-TV providers will be required to offer an affordable basic service package that costs no more than $25 per month, not including rental equipment. Additionally, pay-TV providers also must offer either a selection of small channel bundles or give viewers the ability to select individual channels. Service providers must offer both small bundles and pick-and-pay by Dec. 1, 2016. Release