Archive for October 15th, 2009

FCC Commissioned Study Assesses Why Canada Lags On Broadband

The Federal Communications Commission has just posted a comprehensive study it commissioned on broadband policies around the world.  Completed by researchers at Harvard University (and led by Professor Yochai Benkler), the study combines a review of international rankings with differing policy approaches.  While supporters of the Canadian status quo are sure to find fault with the study (it uses OECD and Speedtest.net data after all), the report is particularly noteworthy given that it attempts to link Canadian policy with its falling rankings.

On the issue of rankings, the study uses several reports to conclude yet again that Canada trails much of the developed world on broadband.  The specific rankings are:

  • Overall – 22nd
  • Access – 16th
  • Speed – 20th (using the same Speedtest.net source that Rogers relied upon in its ad campaign that led to a lawsuit by Bell)
  • Price – 25th

The report address some of the same criticisms found in a recent Canadian ISP commissioned report such as population density and measuring subscribers vs. households.  It concludes that the data is not dramatically different when accounting for these issues. More important, however, is the analysis on how Canada's regulatory environment has led to its middling performance. 

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October 15, 2009 18 comments News

Finland Establishes Legal Right To Broadband

Starting next July, every person in Finland will have the right to a one-megabit broadband connection, according to the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Finland is the world's first country to create laws guaranteeing broadband access.

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October 15, 2009 Comments are Disabled News

Chris Bosh Wins 800 Domains From Cybersquatter

The Toronto Raptors' Chris Bosh has obtained a court order for transfer of 800 domain names from cybersquatter.  The domains include many NBA stars.

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October 15, 2009 1 comment News

Apple Admits No Legal Reason To Block App Purchases With Gift Cards

Apple has now admitted that there is no Canadian legal reason to stop Canadians from using iTunes gift cards for purchases of apps.  It is simply company policy.

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October 15, 2009 4 comments News