Last week we directed your attention to new data from MLabs highlighting that most U.S. ISPs have traded blunt-force throttling from a few years ago in exchange for more subtle, intelligent network management practices. That's not the case in Canada, where Rogers Communications was shown to be continuing their heavy-handed approach to network management, which at times has involved not only throttling all encrypted traffic (piracy or not), but blocking legitimate games and applications.

The new data shows that Rogers is the worst ISP globally among those tracked when it comes to throttling its users. Many observers quickly noted that Rogers appeared to be violating Canada's new network neutrality rules, and wondered when the CRTC might get around to enforcing them. The Canadian consumer group Open Media this week noted that the CRTC has sent them a letter acknowledging that the whole issue has been sent to the Compliance and Enforcement Sector for action.

What that further action will be remains unclear. As users in our forums note, there's several layers of bureaucracy that come into play here, with actions ranging from site inspections, more letter writing and additional hearings -- likely culminating in little more than a wrist slap. As in the United States, the new Canadian network neutrality rules are more show than substance, the rules generally relying on an ISP correcting bad behavior voluntarily because the regulator in question is afraid of actually regulating.

So far though, Rogers has repeatedly insisted that their heavy handed throttling practices fully comply with Canadian neutrality rules. The CRTC lacks the authority to fine Rogers for the violations, so it's possible Rogers simply drags this out indefinitely instead of learning how to manage their network using more modern and sophisticated congestion management.