Now Internet A Fundamental Right In Canada
From ordering a Pizza to calling a taxi, booking a movie to fixing an appointment with dentist, Internet makes information easily available and services readily accessible. Email has long replaced the postal services for bother personal and professional communication. Traditional television broadcast is under serious threat from online entertainment services. In modern life it's absence is unimaginable.
In a historic move, Canadian government has declared high-speed Internet access a fundamental right for all. Considering the convenience that Internet offers in day to day life its a wise decision however the successful implementation of the plan remains the concern
The Verge reported that broadband internet joins the rank of Landline telephone services which is considered a basic and a must-have by Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
Within the next 10-15 years CRTC plans to expand Internet availability to the remotest areas in the entire country. CRTC sets the speed of 50 MBPS for download and 10 MBPS for upload as the minimum. Interestingly this is double the broadband speed set by United States.
In a news conference the CRTC char Jean-Pierre Blais said "The future of our economy, our prosperity and our society - indeed the future of every citizen requires us to set ambitious goals, and to get on with connecting all Canadians for the 21st century. These goals are ambitious. They will not be easy to achieve and they will cost Money but we have no choice"
According to the CTV News connecting the entire nation with the decided high-speed internet would cost billions of dollars and it will take a coordinated effort by both government and business sector.
Last week the federal government announced $500 million as the project fund. Interestingly Advocacy group open media, one of the CRTC's harshest critics gave the plan a thumbs up. The group spokesperson David Christopher concluded "Its a real game changer."