Canada’s telecommunications regulator, the CRTC, is holding a four-day hearing to consider requiring internet providers to display standardized labels for home internet plans, similar to nutrition labels. This initiative, launched in December, aims to help consumers compare options more easily following complaints about difficulty in shopping for services. Major providers like Telus and Bell, and advocacy groups like OpenMedia, are scheduled to present.
CRTC considers standardized labels in hearing on home internet plans
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Canada’s telecommunications regulator, the CRTC, is holding a four-day hearing to consider requiring internet providers to display standardized labels for home internet plans, similar to nutrition labels. This initiative, launched in December, aims to help consumers compare options more easily following complaints about difficulty in shopping for services. Major providers like Telus and Bell, and advocacy groups like OpenMedia, are scheduled to present.
- 1 December (unspecified year, likely 2024): CRTC launched a consultation on how to help consumers shop for home internet plans.
- 2 Last year (unspecified year, likely 2024): CRTC launched three additional consultations on potential changes around notifications, fees, and self-serve options.
- 3 Wednesday (unspecified date, likely June 11, 2025): Day 2 of the four-day CRTC hearing on shopping for internet services.
- Potential for clearer, more transparent internet plan comparisons for consumers
- Potential associated costs for telecommunications companies
What: The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is holding a hearing to consider a requirement for internet providers to display relevant information, such as price and speed, through a standardized label for home internet plans.
When: Wednesday (Day 2 of the four-day hearing), December (consultation launched), last year (three additional consultations launched).
Where: Canada.
Why: To help consumers shop for home internet plans more easily and strengthen their position in relationships with service providers, following complaints that it was difficult to compare options.
How: The CRTC is conducting a four-day hearing, inviting major providers and consumer advocacy groups to present their views on what information consumers need and the associated costs for companies.