There has been considerable discussion in recent weeks regarding the prospect of court orders mandating ISPs or other intermediaries disclose identifying information about anonymous individuals (Google model case, Ottawa city hall blog). Overlook, however, is a recent order obtained by York University requiring Bell and Rogers to disclose subscriber information. […]
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Tucows Speaks Out on Copyright
Tucows, one of Canada's Internet success stories, has a great post on copyright. Copyright's Creative Disincentive was written by David Weinberger and does a terrific job of discussing copyright and culture. Tucows will be appearing at the final copyright roundtable in Peterborough today and is urging Canadians to contribute to […]
Reaction to the Cellphone Cost Calculator Story
My column on the decision to kill the cellphone cost calculator generated considerable reaction: The Liberal party issued a press release criticizing the decision and arguing that it placed the wireless industry ahead of consumers. The CBC covered the story, including comments from the CWTA, PIAC, and Bell (it should […]
How Telco Lobbying Helped Quietly Kill Consumer Cell Phone Cost Calculator
Last week I discussed the well-known challenge faced by millions of Canadians as they sort through a myriad of cellphone pricing plans in a marketplace still lacking in robust competition. The subject of this week's technology law column (Toronto Star version, homepage version) is that previously unreported, however, is Industry Canada officials identified much the same problem and worked for years to develop an online tool to address it.
After spending tens of thousands of dollars creating and testing an online calculator designed to help consumers select their ideal wireless plan, Industry Minister Tony Clement killed the project weeks before it was scheduled to launch. Government records suggest intense lobbying this spring by Canada’s wireless companies, who feared the service would promote lower cost plans, played a key role in the decision.
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