Advocates announce day of action for affordable internet, as Supreme Court delivers defeat to Bell Canada

Read more courtesy of The Toronto Star  Click here for the full article

A coalition of advocates, organizations and researchers is launching a nationwide day of action to demand affordable-internet policies from the federal government.

The online Day of Action for Affordable Internet, March 16, will “demand the immediate implementation of federal measures to deliver affordable internet and wireless services in Canada and to put an end to constantly increasing bills,” according to a press release Thursday.

The pandemic has made affordable internet access — already an issue before COVID-19 — an acute need, said Laura Tribe, executive director of grassroots organization OpenMedia.

People who once could get by with just a cellphone, or who relied on internet access at the library, now need internet at home to work, get education, or access basic services, she said.

“People have really been forced to prioritize their internet access, even though … it hasn’t been any more available or affordable for them,” Tribe said, adding that while there is a patchwork of national and regional programs aimed at bridging the digital divide, many fall through the cracks…..

continue reading…click the link at the top