The panel tasked with modernizing the broadcasting and telecommunications acts has opened a public consultation to gather feedback that will inform its review process.

The written comments submitted by stakeholders and interested parties will form the basis of the consultation and become publicly available on Nov. 30.

In addition to the public consultation, the panel will participate in industry and academic conferences, as well as meeting with creators, stakeholders and experts across a range of fields.

It must then present a final report to government by Jan. 31, 2020.

The panel has outlined four main areas that will form the basis of the discussion: reducing barriers to access by all Canadians to advanced telecommunications networks; supporting creation, production and discoverability of Canadian content; improving the rights of the digital consumer; and renewing the institutional framework for the communications sector.

The seven-person panel, consisting of experts in the fields of Canadian broadcasting and telecommunications and led by former Telus EVP Janet Yale, was appointed by former Minister of Canadian Heritage Melanie Joly and Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains in June.

The appointment came one week after the CRTC published its report on future distribution models, titled “Harnessing change: The future of programming distribution in Canada.” Among the recommendations in the report was that government require internet service providers and wireless internet providers to contribute to the system alongside BDUs.