Ongoing Policy, Regulatory, and Competitive Challenges Facing Canada's Small Internet Service Providers

Abstract

Abstract Many rural and remote Canadians continue to experience a digital divide. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating in these communities play a crucial role in connecting Canadians, yet they are understudied. This study aims to address this gap in the literature by focusing on policy, regulatory, and competitive challenges and issues facing small ISPs. Small ISPs face competitive pressures, but more importantly deal with regulatory challenges induced by the lack of a coherent national approach to rural broadband. Ten Canadian ISPs were interviewed as part of this study. The paper recommends the Government of Canada develop a national broadband strategy informed in part through consultation with small ISPs.