Coalition for Competitive Broadband Reaches Out to Canadian Consumers in Next Wave of its Campaign to Reverse Harmful CRTC Decision

    
    Launch of www.consumersforinternetcompetition.com site to provide
    consumers with the opportunity to register their displeasure with the
    Federal government and CRTC
    

OTTAWA , Sept. 24 /CNW/ - Members of the "Campaign for Competitive Broadband" announced today the results of its first wave of activity, and the launch of new initiatives, including a new consumer oriented site, www.consumersforinternetcompetition.com.

The campaign is designed to draw attention to a decision made by the CRTC that if allowed to stand would have the potential to choke competition for high speed internet services, send prices spiralling upward, and cause service to erode. The Federal Cabinet has been petitioned to overturn the decision, and has until December 11th to decide on a course of action.

On September 10 , the Campaign launched with a business to business website, www.competitivebroadband.com, distribution of information kits to all MPs and Senators, and extensive broadcast, print and online coverage. The business site has already generated more than 7,000 emails of protest against the decision, calling on Ottawa to correct the CRTC's error.

Starting today, the Campaign has launched a new consumer oriented companion site, www.consumersforinternetcompetition.com, with paid advertising on key websites to inform consumers of the risks they face and how they can make their voices heard. The sites make it easy to get in touch with Industry Minister Clement, Prime Minister Harper, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff, as well as their local MPs.

The Campaign that includes the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses, the Canadian Association of Internet Providers, Primus, Yak, and many local market Internet service providers has added several new members including IKANO, Fidalia Networks, and the Internet Centre. All told, these organizations serve hundreds of thousands of Canadians. Many of the Campaign members will shortly begin providing their customers with information about the CRTC decision and easy access to the Campaign site to register their displeasure.

Tom Copeland , Chairman of the Canadian Association of Internet Providers said "We've been greatly heartened by the swift and extensive response so far, and Internet service providers from many parts of the country have said they want to do more to call consumers' attention to this bad decision and the need to reverse it.

"With only 78 days left before the Federal government decides what to do, we urge consumers to go to the site and learn how badly they will be served by this decision, and take 20 seconds to help make things right," continued Copeland. The Federal government has of late, been repeatedly forced to step in to correct ill-informed CRTC decisions, and this one may well be the most damaging yet. Mr. Clement should recommend to his Cabinet colleagues that they step in and ensure competition."

For further information: Tom Copeland, Chairman, Canadian Association of Internet Providers, [phone], [email protected]; Megan Hooper, Coalition for Competitive Broadband, [phone] ext. 297, [email protected]