So, the opposition parties are calling for the government to improve regulations and enforce net neutrality. That is wonderful. Where were they five or six years ago when efforts to improve network infrastructure effectively ended? It is good though they are speaking out, because the CRTC is unlikely to do their job. For the past two or three years, the CRTC has acted in a way that makes it seem as though they are in the pockets of the major ISPs. For example, they refused to strike the hammer down on Bell for throttling the connections of third party ISPs that use their lines, as required by law. The ISPs would have you believe that everything is hunky dorry, of course I would rather believe this report by Harvard University stating we are 22nd place out of 30 major nations.
It shocks me how silent the Conservatives are on this issue. I understand their hesitation on regulating, but it is clear that free market is failing in this case, primarily because a handful of companies own all of the methods of getting high speed Internet. For example, Rogers has cable and cellular wireless capabilities and Bell and Telus have DSL and wireless capabilities. The only other competition are largely regional ISPs such as MTS, SaskTel and Eastlink. MTS has been leading the charge for regulated net neutrality, as they intend to become more national in their business networking service. Right now, Bell is throttling their networks, which is costing MTS a pile of money. Additionally, Canada has one of the worst broadband wireless systems in the civilized world. As of yet, there is no proper 3G network, meaning your Iphone or Blackberry is not being used to its potential.
The CRTC decision on net neutrality is coming this week. I fully expect the CRTC to not enforce it, and will lead to continuing stranglehold on networks by the major ISPs, all at the disadvantage of the consumer.
This silly story shows the Liberals claiming the Conservatives are saying that paying for "doorknobs" is stimulus. Now, this is a pretty silly claim, as it is clear that this particular project is to upgrade and repair the Charlottetown RCMP building. Upgrading infrastructure is exactly what the stimulus money should be used for, considering the age of a lot of buildings.
No, the big deal is how the Conservatives are branding the novelty cheques used to announce spending. This is a novel way to promote MPs and the governing party in ridings. The only problem is that it completely violates political party advertising on publicly funded projects. The news website comments by Conservative trolls basically make claims along the lines of "well the Liberals did this while they were in power". If that is the best defense that the Conservative supporters can get, it truly has got to the point where there is not much difference between the two parties. The lack of accountability shows what a sham the campaign by the Conservatives in 2006 really was (it did a good job to spend government money!). With the Liberal party continuing to be very inept, and the NDP not gaining any traction, I see this sort of governing continuing in perpetuity.
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