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.
