Last summer, I wrote a brief blog post called “Regulating the internet” suggesting it may be worthwhile for some academic researchers to take a look at the impact of regulating internet content in Canada, from such perspectives as economic and social policy, cultural issues, etc.
Are we restricting the evolution of creative business models and innovation through regulation?
- Internet Traffic Management Regulatory Policy (Net Neutrality)
- Canada’s Anti-Spam Law (CASL)
- New Media Exemption Order
- NFL Mobile Content Decision
- Others? (such as digital copyright, lawful access, etc.?)
Yesterday, I saw an article by Brian Fung of the Washington Post, seeking to explain “How the cable industry is trying to reshape the economics of the Internet“. He writes, “As it waits for the regulatory shoe of net neutrality to drop next month, the cable industry is going on the offensive.”
As I read the article, it struck me that internet services in the United States could be on the verge of some very heavy handed regulation.
In launching a countdown clock, American Enterprise Institute asked, “Will February 26, 2015 mark the death of Internet freedom?“, referring to the upcoming vote by the FCC on its Open Internet process. In the view of AEI, “Title II reclassification of ISPs would cripple our nation’s dynamic and thriving Internet ecosystem.”
If the US moves to apply new regulations and government intervention in internet access and network management and interconnection services, what opportunities might arise for Canada?
Will Canada see such moves as an opportunity to lead or will Canada’s regulatory and policy authorities follow suit?
A number of sessions at The 2015 Canadian Telecom Summit [June 1-3 in Toronto] will be well suited to discuss these issues and more:
- On Monday morning, June 1, a panel of world leading telecom policy economists and academics will be exploring “Competition in Telecom”
- That afternoon, another panel will examine “Cyber Security”
- Tuesday morning, June 2, former Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff will be speaking about global internet governance in a talk entitled “One Internet or Thousands: Preserving the World Wide Web in a Diverse Globe“
- That session will be followed by our always popular “Regulatory Blockbuster”, featuring Canada’s leading regulatory affairs personalities
- Wednesday morning, June 2, has a panel looking at “Internet of Things: Hyperconnectivity“
- Wednesday afternoon explores the video revolution in a session we are calling “Coming to Any Screen Near You”
- Our closing speaker that afternoon will be Dr. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women.
How can Canada seize opportunities for competitive advantage in the emerging digital economy?
Be sure to join us at The 2015 Canadian Telecom Summit.
Early bird savings are available through February 28.
Have you registered yet?