Network Neutrality in Canada

Abstract

Network neutrality is the principle that, to the extent feasible, Internet access providers (“ISPs”) should provide access to all content and applications without blocking or discriminating as to source, destination, application, content, or device. More than that, however, network neutrality in some ways crystallizes the ethos of the Internet and its promise of permissionless innovation. This paper reviews the current status of network neutrality and its regulation, including congestion-related asymmetrical practices like zero-rating; and makes recommendations relating to Internet interconnection and tostatutory language, in section I; to changes to how ITMPs are enforced, in section II; to any consideration of usage caps, in section III; and to any future regulatory review of network neutrality, in both sections II and III.