The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has announced interim wholesale rates that smaller providers will pay major telecom companies for access to their fibre networks.
This decision aims to expand the availability of affordable, high-speed internet services across the country. The move follows a series of steps by the CRTC to increase internet competition, in a situation where incumbents have long dominated.
In November 2023, the CRTC granted smaller providers access to fibre networks in Ontario and Quebec, regions where competition “had declined most significantly.” Since then, those interim rates have allowed new internet service options to emerge.
In August 2024, the CRTC extended access to large telecom companies’ fibre networks nationwide, with a February 2025 deadline for implementation. Today’s announcement finalizes the interim rates, which are based on detailed cost analyses provided by the telecoms. The rates are intended to balance investment in high-quality networks while ensuring smaller providers can compete effectively.
“Today’s decision will provide Canadians with new options for Internet, television, home phone, and smart home services. We are already seeing competitors using fibre access to bring new offers in Ontario and Quebec, and we look forward to this broader access benefiting even more Canadians,” said Vicky Eatrides, Chair and CEO of the CRTC, in a statement on late Friday.
Reaction to the news was not postive. Users replied to the CRTC on X to say, “Um maybe try setting wholesale rates lower than Bell and Telus’ actual retail rates,” and others chimed in with, “I’ll believe it when I see it. Because the opposite has happened with cellphone rates and roaming. They went up instead of down. We need real competition with new foreign ownership rules. Let the American telcos in!!!!”.
Alright, has your internet pricing dropped thanks to the CRTC? Let us know in the comments…
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As others said, will believe it when I see it. Mine has simply gone up.
I am seriously beginning to wonder who breaks more promises, CRTC or Elon Musk.
We know Musk does it to boost stock price and it makes me wonder why the CRTC does it – perhaps to con citizens into believing the entity is needed as they justify their (no doubt) inflated paychecks?
$144 a month 'ere for Shaw Gigabit. It's super fast but seeing as how Internet is a utility today, not a luxury, it should be much cheaper.
I would say in the last few years I have definitely been paying the exact same rate, but my speed has increased. Five years ago I was at maybe 150 down and 10 up but now I’m at 1.5 Gb down. It hasn’t technically gotten cheaper, but I am getting more for my money and I do appreciate having that speed increase without driving up cost.
No access to land line internet where I live near Yorkton Saskatchewan. Literally the middle of the land mass and only have access to $155 per month starlink. Latest announcement Canada gov said they would investigate making their own constellation like omfg trudeau is retarded.
But it's Musk. In 5 years youll be looking at alternatives. If there's anything he's proven consistently it's that he runs products and businesses into the ground
I have Accesscomm Internet 89.95 for 1Gb
actually i saw JT sitting eating a chicken burrito while drawing up the plans personally at coffee time
I saw PP sucking off Trump's little 2 incher as PP love to take it up his MAGA-HOLE just like you do, you 100% are a loser in life, go hail Poilievitler else where you creep
Well it sounds like Mr. Bollywood, aka, Boy Blunder, aka PM Paints his Face has your vote, eh Sparky!
You’re watching some very strange fetish videos.
Must be a Trudeau fan. Slow and creepy at the same time. He likes them dumb.
umm this, telsa FSD or leafs wining the cup… wondering if i'll see any of these in my life time
Lol
The way the Leafs played this week with losses to Blue Jackets, Blues and Bruins, my money is on FSD.
I just got 80 gigs @ $30 from Telus. Prices have come down. Just byod and don't buy expensive phones on credit. That's how you get trapped. If you are still paying for a device purchased on credit in the last 2 years you may still be paying for pre crash data.
Oxio does not increase your bill… 1gig connection unlimited 87.00. I have been with them for 4 years now… never a increase. Plus…
free set up and connection.
Free modem
free eero router!
No contract!
If you want a real provider check http://oxio.ca
Use code RXCIA3R (referal) and get a month free!
CChap Internet and never a increase. I've been with http://oxio.ca for 4 years never i increase.
if you want to switch use code RXCIA3R and it gives you a free month.
The price of small companies is falling. But Bell takes revenge and increases the rates of its customers to counterbalance.