Why you should support independent Internet Service Providers

Supporting independent Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Canada holds several crucial implications for consumers, competition, innovation, and the overall health of the telecommunications industry. Here are some reasons why you should support independent ISPs when you can:

 Promoting Competition: Independent ISPs introduce competition into the telecommunications market, which is essential for driving innovation, improving service quality, and offering consumers more choices. Competition encourages larger ISPs such as Bell, Telus, Rogers, Cogeco, and Videotron to innovate and improve their services while also keeping prices in check. As we have mentioned before in one of our older blogs, the competition for ISPs is really dire, as more and more independent ISPs are being bought by the big guys.

1. Consumer Choice: Independent ISPs such as CanNet, often offer alternative service models, pricing structures, and customer service experiences compared to larger incumbents. By supporting independent ISPs, consumers gain access to a diverse range of Internet plans tailored to their specific needs and preferences. Take a look at CanNet’s wide variety of internet plans for people in Canada.
2. Fostering Innovation: Independent ISPs frequently lead the way in deploying new technologies, exploring innovative business models, and experimenting with novel service offerings. Their agility and flexibility allow them to adapt more quickly to emerging trends and consumer demands, fostering a culture of innovation within the telecommunications industry.
3. Protecting Net Neutrality: Independent ISPs often champion principles of net neutrality, ensuring that all Internet traffic is treated equally without discrimination or preferential treatment. By supporting independent ISPs, consumers help uphold the principles of an open and free Internet where content providers and users have equal access and opportunities.
4. Ensuring Fair Pricing and Terms: Competition from independent ISPs puts pressure on larger incumbents to offer fair pricing and terms for Internet services. By providing consumers with alternative options, independent ISPs help ensure that pricing remains competitive and that consumers will receive value for their money. You might already know that internet prices in Canada are among the highest on this planet. Even though the CRTC has mandated to lower some of the wholesale rates, due to unfair competition and lobbying by the big guys they are still out-pricing independent ISPs with unfair wholesale rates by undermining the prices by offering sly promotions here and there.
5. Expanding Broadband Access: Independent ISPs play a critical role in expanding broadband access to underserved and remote areas where larger incumbents may be less inclined to invest in infrastructure. By leveraging innovative technologies and business models, independent ISPs help bridge the digital divide and ensure that all Canadians have access to high-quality Internet services.
6. Supporting Local Economies: Many independent ISPs are locally owned and operated, contributing to the economic vitality of their communities. By supporting independent ISPs, consumers help sustain local businesses, create jobs, and foster economic growth in their regions.
7. Advocating for Consumer Rights: Independent ISPs often advocate for consumer rights, privacy protections, and regulatory policies that promote a fair and competitive telecommunications market. By supporting independent ISPs, consumers align themselves with organizations that prioritize their interests and work to ensure that their voices are heard in policy discussions and regulatory proceedings.

In summary, supporting independent ISPs in Canada is essential for promoting competition, fostering innovation, protecting consumer rights, and expanding broadband access. By choosing independent ISPs as their service providers, consumers can help build a more vibrant, diverse, and equitable telecommunications ecosystem that benefits everyone.