The new president of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), Vicky Eatrides, has made it a priority to reduce the price of bills for internet services and cell phone service.
“What I really want is for Canadians to be able to answer the question: ‘What has the CRTC done for me?'” explained the main interested party in an interview with the Globe & Mail.
Last May, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada released draft policy directions for the CRTC, with the goal of creating a more effective regulatory framework.
A final draft is expected in the coming weeks, though Vicky Eatrides says the CRTC already has that vision in mind.
She points out that she has a plan to reduce the cost of cellphones and internet, although she did not reveal the details of her strategy. Vicky Eatrides also has ideas on how to speed up the commission’s decision-making process. In particular, it wishes to improve efficiency by reducing the burden of administrative procedures.
“I see competition as a key driver of pricing, choice and innovation,” she said. “We will continue to progress. We also need to maintain a balance by making sure we have investments in innovation.”
However, it will take time to achieve its goals.
“There are plenty of things to do. You can move mountains, but you can’t move them all at the same time,” she said, imagining her remarks.