OTTAWA - The Harper government's online surveillance bill is getting a rough ride from the opposition and privacy rights advocates.

And now Internet providers wonder who'll pay for the changes the government is proposing.

The legislation would allow authorities access to Internet subscriber information -- including name, address, phone number and email address -- without a warrant.

It would also require service providers to have the technical capability to enable police and spies to intercept messages and conversations.

Bernard Lord, president of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, says the price tag for big carriers like Rogers and Bell could be significant.

He adds that law-abiding citizens shouldn't have to pay more for their Internet or wireless services in order to give authorities a new investigative tool.

Tom Copeland is chairman of the Canadian Association of Internet Providers, which represents small- and medium-sized companies.

He says his association feels that if Ottawa wants a new tool to catch spies and child pornographers, then it should pay for it.



