Bell Canada Puts Squeeze On ISPs With Usage-based Billing

In a move that is sure to be watched closely in the US, Bell Canada has announced plans to impose usage-based billing fees on small ISP’s and will seriously limit monthly free bandwidth.  Concerns are that the new fees and restrictions will make the ISP’s less competitive with Bell.  The company claims it’s part of its ongoing efforts to manage network P2P traffic.   Usage based fees is a hot topic in the US in light of recent FCC rulings against throttling, and regardless of whether the fees are wholesale or retail, US firms and regulators will be watching to see how this Canadian controversy plays out.