You know, every once in awhile us older folks have to look to the younger ones for help.  Or should say, look to the younger ones to keep us up to date on what is happening in the high tech world of today. Now take the Internet.  Over in China now the Powers That Be are controlling what one looks at on the Internet.  Won’t happen here in Canada some say.  Well I am not so sure about that.  As a  matter of fact, I know it will happen, just a matter of time.  That is, if something isn’t done and done quickly.  I am lucky that I have two pretty high tech sons to rely on, when it comes to me being informed with things like this, which is a good thing.  Take Bell now.  For years they have been trying to get the CRTC to take their side in what some say is Internet throttling.  Not a good thing in my eyes and if this isn’t stopped, it will eventually be bad for anyone using the Internet.  Here is a few words from a good company that I use and like.  Don’t go and think I am trying to sway your thinking or moving to another company either, as I am not, I am just saying that if you are interested in enjoying the Internet, saving the Internet, then take a look at this article.  Then, if you feel like I do, click on the link and let the Powers That Be, know your feelings. Don’t have much time either.  Doing so will give you a good feeling inside that at the very least, you did your part to keep the interent a free place to come to for advice and good rates and not being dictated to on what you can watch.  I should also say it’s not only Bell that is taking part in this power trip, it’s the large cable folks too  So……………all the blame can’t be put just on Bell.   Take a look.

In March 2008 Bell started throttling its Wholesale Customers (TekSavvy among a group of many) without notice. We attempted to have the CRTC force Bell to stop as it removed our ability to do business and give Market choice.  The throttling was done in the name of congestion, even if Bell, at the same time launched higher speeds (which they did not share with their wholesalers) and also dabbled with launching IPTV, which consumes even more capacity.

The CRTC sided with Bell in November 2008 but launched a Public Hearing to discuss Network Management Practices, clearly showing they made a decision on throttling without having all the details in hand to do so.  As a result we launched a request to reverse their decision from November (The Review & Vary) in May 2009.

The only way we are going to make a difference at this point is to get full public support to stop companies like Bell from bullying the market and the regulators!  The Telecom and Cableco Monopolies control 96% of our marketplace, so if we don’t stand up and voice our concerns, this will become a two party dance where choices and services are going to be completely removed and rates raised to unreasonable levels!

Here are the details on how to submit your comments:

1) Go to:
http://support.crtc.gc.ca/crtcsubmissionmu/forms/Telecom.aspx?lang=e

2) Select “Part VII / PN ” from the drop down list and then click “Next”

3) In box entitled “Subject” line, insert “CRTC File #:
8662-P8-200907727”

4) In the box entitled “Description / Comments / Questions”, insert any comments that you may have on the review and vary application.

5) If you would like to attach a document, select “yes” and follow the instructions for attaching a file.

As indicated in the Title, I believe the deadline is June 22nd, so don’t wait to long

PS – R&V details here: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/recherche-search/?q=8662-P8-200907727&n=e&m=

Oh, an if your thinking it is to much work to do this, well……… it isn’t.  Just click on the link. Copy the information they show ya, and paste the information in the subject line, simple as that. Takes only a minute of your time and easy to do and leave them a comment on your feelings.

My Opinion Only

You know folks, every once in awhile something comes along that really bugs me.  Oh…….. I know, some of you think a lot of things bug me, and I guess your right.   Anyways, like today I got my car insurance bill for the year in the mail.  As usual, it has gone up like everything else, but I suspected that.  Thing that got me was that there was an added $60.00 on my total bill.  I called about it and they told me it was an insurance that if I got into and accident that my rates wouldn’t go up and I wouldn’t loose my six star rating. I asked, “well, what would happen if I had an accident?”  They told me I would loose all my stars and my insurance would all but double.  I said, “you mean after dealing with your company for over forty years with no accidents to speak of, you wouldn’t give a fellow a break of some kind if it did happen?”  “Nope, they replied, the only way for you to protect yourself, is to pay the extra cost, which would cover you.”  Now I don’t know about you folks, but I kind of think this is just a bit of a rip off.  Taking advantage of a fellow in other words.  I am beginning to believe, that insurance companies today don’t like folks with a good track record.  Why would I say that?  Simple.  If one hasn’t had an accident or speeding ticket for sometime they get a low rate, or at least they should be getting a low rate.   So…….. the companies don’t make as much money. All boils down to the almighty dollar.  Again, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see what they are up too, and in my case I have a good driving record, as my wife does, so what happens?  I get charged extra.  Some will say, be thankful I have that protection.  I say, we would all be better off without any insurance and go back to fending for ourselves like it was many years ago.  Let their be no suing folks any more and things like that and insurance wouldn’t be needed.    So…… such it is and I will pay it, as us old fellers sure can’t afford to have our insurance doubled if we have an accident, even if I haven’t had one in over thirty some years or so.  So there you have it, I had my say and that in itself is something.  Now, I wonder what the Powers That Be will come up with next that kind of ticks me off?  My Opinion Only.

You know for most my life I haven’t believed that government ownership of things is right. Why?  Well anyone that works for the Government or any company owned by the Government only cost the tax payers money, and lots of it in my eyes, as  we the people have to foot the bill for anything the Governments do.  Now this funding GM or should say taking part ownership in it sure isn’t a good thing.  GM has been having trouble for years simple as that. Now think about this. Now that the Powers That Be have part ownership in the company what’s to happen with all the other car companies? Simple they are in trouble as you can bet that the Powers To Be now will be spending huge amounts of money trying to get folks to buy GM.  Not a good thing that’s for sure.   I got to say they sure are free with our money these days and to top it all of I never received one phone call asking me what my views were on the subject.  Ha Ha as if that would happen.  My Opinion Only.