So what's the CRTC really saying in its latest - and final - report on the competitiveness of Canada's $30 billion telecom industry? What does this statement mean to you?:

"The report indicates that local competition has increased since 2000, although competitors have not yet generally gained the same level of  market share in the local markets as they have in the long distance, Internet or data and private line markets. They have however, made inroads in both the business and residential urban markets in several major centres."

Given the CRTC is supposed to be making a decision in March on whether and/or how to deregulate the local market, does the above statement mean it's leaning towards deregulation or continue regulation? Depending on which side of the debate you support, there is evidence the CRTC is leaning your way? My read is the CRTC is leaning toward a hybrid solution in which it will deregulate certain markets while leaving other untouched. Toronto, for example, could easily be deregulated given consumers can choose between Bell (regular, VOIP), Rogers/Cogeco (cable telephony), Sprint (regular, VOIP), Primus (regular, VOIP) and VOIP service providers such as BabyTel, Vonage, Primus and AOL. Meanwhile, consumers in smaller communities where there is little if no choice will continue be protected.