The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) confirmed today that agreements are now established allowing regional firms to access networks of larger Canadian cellular service companies, in what it says is a major milestone to increase competition across the nation.
This access will enable these regional entities to operate as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), offering their services to areas currently not covered by them, said CRTC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Vicky Eatrides, in a statement on Monday.
Since the introduction of rules to negotiate MVNO agreements 90 days ago by the CRTC, some agreements have been reached. Companies retain the choice to either continue their negotiations or request the CRTC to establish access rates through a process known as final offer arbitration.
The policy of the CRTC demands that regional companies choosing to operate as MVNOs must build their own networks within seven years.
Recently, a CRTC decision set a rate that Quebecor will pay Rogers when offering services using the latter’s wireless network across Canada. This has resulted in Quebecor’s Freedom Mobile to start offering nationwide 5G plans.
The CRTC says it continues to facilitate agreement negotiations and is working towards ensuring Canadians’ access to cellular services.
Want to see more of our stories on Google?
P.S. Want to keep this site truly independent? Support us by buying us a beer, treating us to a coffee, or shopping through Amazon here. Links in this post are affiliate links, so we earn a tiny commission at no charge to you. Thanks for supporting independent Canadian media!
Now work to make more affordable plans that are in step with these mid range ones. $15 for 250mb or $25 for 1GB vs $39 for 20GB is ridiculous.
They should at least quadruple the data caps to modernize the plans. $15 plan should be 1 GB. $25 should be 4-5 GB. And the data caps should increase by 250 MB/year up to 4 years.
I suggest we stop using MB all together in this day and age. It doesn’t cost the cartel a dime to give you 1GB vs 10GB….the network capacity is already there.
If we were to talk 100GB and more, then yes, the argument changes. Still…most of the world has unlimited data these days.
Give yourself a pat on the back Vicky. TBH I had hopes when she replaced that corrupt
Ian Scott – based on her first statements – but of course, I was naive and gullible like 99% of Canadians.