The federal government expects CRTC chairman Konrad von Finckenstein to overturn his ruling that effectively kills unlimited Internet download packages, CTV News has learned.

A senior official told CTV News that the "CRTC chairman should be under no illusion that the prime minister and the Industry minister will reverse the decision unless the CRTC does it itself."

Von Finckenstein will be called before a Commons committee tomorrow to explain the decision.

Last week, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission ruled that major Internet providers can charge smaller, independent companies according to the amount of bandwidth they use.

"Government officials say (Prime Minister Stephen) Harper is acting to encourage consumer choice and competition but obviously there are electoral reasons for this as well," CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife said.

The Liberal party officially came out against the CRTC ruling Tuesday at a time when election speculation is rife in Ottawa.

More than 250,000 Internet users have signed a petition at OpenMedia.ca, calling for the government to reverse the CRTC's decision.

Industry Minister Tony Clement said he was reviewing the matter Tuesday.

If left unturned, the CRTC decision would come into effect on March 1.

With a report from CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife