Sheehan Carter, Director General, Strategic Policy, Consumer, Analytics and Strategy
Leila Wright, Vice-President, Telecommunications
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
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Introduction
Good morning and thank you for the opportunity to appear before your Committee.
Before we begin, I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people.
I am joined today by my colleagues, Leila Wright, Vice-President of Telecommunications, and Rachelle Frenette, our General Counsel.
As you know, the CRTC is an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates the Canadian communications sector in the public interest. We hold public consultations on telecommunications and broadcasting matters and make decisions based on the public record.
Improving data on mobile coverage
We are pleased to assist your study of Bill C-268.
As the bill recognizes, the CRTC and ISED play a role in helping ensure that Canadians have access to high-quality cellphone services.
The CRTC's role under the bill is to collect accurate data from service providers about their networks, including where services are available, and share this information with ISED.
Like Committee members, we have heard from Canadians about dead zones and dropped calls in places where maps say they should have full service: like in Pincher Creek, Alberta, in Chelsea, Nova Scotia, and in territorial capitals like Whitehorse. When Canadians have difficulty accessing reliable Internet and cellphone services, it can be a real threat to their lives and livelihoods.
So we understand the importance of these services, and we are listening to what Canadians are telling us.
Earlier this year, we launched a public consultation to improve how cellphone coverage data is collected and reported.
And last week, we acted.
The CRTC is introducing new requirements for cellphone service providers to give more detailed and accurate coverage information. Canadians will be able to compare networks and provide feedback when their real-world experience does not match the information on ISED's National Broadband Map.
With better information, service providers and governments will also be able to decide where improvements are needed.
Now I would like to hand things off to Leila to discuss our work helping Canadians have access to high-quality Internet and cellphone services.
Promoting Internet and cellphone connectivity across Canada
Thank you, Sheehan.
I watched your first meeting on this bill and heard how crucial it is that all Canadians have connectivity, no matter where they are.
We all have these stories that stick with us. As a parent, the one that sticks with me is Angelina Arrowmaker. Angelina had to move nearly 200 kilometres to Yellowknife at the start of grade 11 because her community lacked reliable connectivity for virtual education.
These are the stories we are helping to make a thing of the past. Connecting all Canadians provides vital services, opens doors and creates opportunity.
A key question at your last meeting was how to get coverage to underserved areas. Let me briefly explain how the CRTC is doing its part.
First, since 2019, the CRTC has helped allocate funding for reliable, high-speed Internet and cellphone services. It is improving service in more than 320 communities and along more than 650 kilometres of major roads, often in remote areas.
Second, our wireless competition policy creates strong incentives for providers to improve coverage. Competitors are now offering cellphone service in nearly 100 new communities across seven provinces.
And third, when networks are built, we want them to be strong and resilient. We have an ongoing public proceeding to develop policies that will help build high-quality networks.
Conclusion
The good news is that there is broad alignment between Canadians, governments, and industry that everyone should be able to connect to reliable, high-quality networks.
At the CRTC, we are doing our part to advance connectivity for Canadians.
Thank you again for inviting us, and we look forward to your questions.
