Canadian Telecom Regulator Sets Rules for Internet Traffic Management

CRTC Issues Internet Traffic Management Policy

On October 21, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) issued its new policy governing the ability of internet service providers (ISPs) to manage or "shape" the internet traffic that is transmitted across their networks.

In Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2009-657 Review of the Internet traffic management practices of Internet service providers, the CRTC ruled that ISPs will be allowed to continue to manage traffic on their networks but the CRTC also established the framework to which ISPs must adhere. ISPs will not be required to seek prior approval from the CRTC of their traffic management practices, but will be required to defend those practices in response to specific complaints.