Resolution

WHEREAS the CRTC is proposing to end its $100 million annual subsidy for voice services and to redirect the money into a new $750 million broadband internet fund;

WHEREAS Saskatchewan continues to be a main recipient of the voice service subsidy because of our high-cost geography and low population density in rural areas;

WHEREAS these conditions also apply to cell phone and rural internet services which are lacking or non-existent in many areas of the province;

WHEREAS there is a clear need for voice services to be maintained at affordable rates, while continuing to improve rural internet services for agricultural businesses to fully participate in today’s economy;

BE IT RESOLVED that APAS support a model for the new funding regime that maintains Saskatchewan’s share of funding at the same proportion that is provided under the voice service subsidy.