CRTC Proposes Internet Subsidy for Northern Canada

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has announced a plan to introduce a monthly subsidy aimed at making internet services more affordable for residents in Northern Canada, where prices are significantly higher than in the south. The subsidy will be available to all northern households regardless of their internet service provider, and is part of a broader effort to improve internet reliability and competition in the region. Additionally, the CRTC is requiring Northwestel, the main provider in the North, to automatically credit customers for internet outages lasting 24 hours or more. A public consultation is now open to determine the details of the subsidy, including its amount and eligibility criteria, including potential inclusion of small businesses and community institutions. The CRTC highlighted that many northern households have inadequate internet access, with only one in five meeting their daily needs, and almost all experiencing service interruptions in the past year. This initiative follows extensive consultations with northern residents and aims to address the significant challenges they face in accessing reliable internet services.