CRTC moves to improve cellphone coverage information for Canadians

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is introducing changes aimed at giving Canadians more detailed and accurate information about cellphone coverage.

The changes follow a public consultation on how telecommunications providers report information about their wireless networks.

Under the new approach, Canadians will be able to get more detailed information about cellphone coverage in specific areas, making it easier to compare service options and identify potential coverage gaps.

The CRTC is also introducing a way for Canadians to report locations where their actual cellphone experience does not match coverage maps.

The commission says that feedback will help improve the accuracy of coverage information over time and provide a clearer picture of connectivity needs across the country.

The CRTC collects cellphone network coverage data from service providers and provides it to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), which uses the information for its National Broadband Map.

The commission says improved coverage data will help governments and service providers identify areas where wireless connectivity is lacking and support planning and investment decisions.

The latest changes are part of a broader series of measures from the CRTC intended to make it easier for Canadians to understand and compare Internet and cellphone services.

Recent measures include eliminating extra fees on Internet and cellphone plans, improving notifications about expiring contracts and discounts, giving consumers more ways to change or cancel plans and making Internet plans easier to compare.