Infrastructure & Development

4.5 Infrastructure Issues for a National Digital Strategy:

Based on the discussion about infrastructure the following issues are proposed as within the scope of developing a national digital strategy:

  • How should Canada set standards for universal service in broadband, and how should they evolve over time and by target economic sector / activity?
  • Are there overall directions that should be communicated to the regulator as to how net neutrality should be factored into the concept of universal access?
  • What is the right incentive system to ensure universal access to broadband?
  • What kind of regulatory incentives and public subsidy of consumer equipment, if any, should be considered to help facilitate the transition of TV and radio to digital?
  • How can government best promote technological and business model innovation among Canadian companies and entrepreneurs?
  • From where should public funds be obtained to encourage private investment in universal access and Canadian content – future spectrum auctions, direct funding, high-speed connections transactions, or other alternatives?