Over 4500 participants taking part in the project measuring the performance of broadband Internet services

OTTAWA and GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 18, 2015 /CNW/ - Canadians will get their initial glimpse at the first national, independent broadband performance report featuring multiple Internet service providers (ISPs) next spring, the CRTC announced today. Data is now being gathered from "Whiteboxes" installed in the homes of the 4,500 participants selected from the nearly 28,000 Canadians who expressed an interest in measuring the performance of their broadband Internet services.

The CRTC is collaborating in this project with major ISPs across the country and SamKnows. Participants were selected to ensure a Canada-wide distribution among the various participating ISPs: Rogers, Vidéotron, Shaw, TELUS, Cogeco, Bell Canada, Eastlink, MTS Allstream, Northwestel and Bell Aliant. In addition, for each ISP, a range of their products are being tested, covering a variety of their most popular Internet speeds.

The data being gathered will provide useful insight into network performance, including actual connection speeds, and provide a better understanding of whether certain Internet services from participating ISPs are delivering speeds as advertised. These results will also provide data that will enable the CRTC to improve its broadband policy making.

For more information about the project, please visit Measuring Broadband Canada's website.

Quick Facts

• Almost 28,000 Canadians expressed interest in taking part in the broadband performance measurement project.
• To ensure statistically valid representation for each of the ISP packages being tested, as well as fair geographical representation, 4500 participants were selected.
• Participants were selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Testing is only being undertaken when users are not actively using their Internet connection. No information concerning online activities is being collected to protect subscriber privacy.
• A preliminary report is expected to be issued in spring 2016.
• The CRTC has launched a major proceeding to review basic telecommunications services in Canada, including the services that all Canadians need to participate in the digital economy

Quotes
"The response from Canadians has been extremely positive and we thank everyone who expressed an interest. Through this project, that we launched with SamKnows and major Internet service providers across the country, we will be able to take into account the actual performance of their Internet services during the development of our policies. This initiative illustrates concretely the CRTC's approach to evidence-based decision making."

- Jean-Pierre Blais, CRTC Chairman

Associated Links

• Measure your broadband performance
• Information on Internet speed and performance
• CRTC initiates review of basic telecommunications services for all Canadians
• Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2015-134

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SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

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