Telus is pushing back against a federal government decision they say limits competition among internet service providers.
The company launched a petition on change.org one week ago, urging Canadians to support their right to choose their internet provider based on price and quality.
The issue stems from a November 6, 2023, decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). The ruling required major telecom companies like Telus, Bell, and Rogers to temporarily provide access to their fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) facilities in Ontario and Quebec at regulated rates.
However, one year later, the federal government referred this decision back to the CRTC for reconsideration. The government is questioning whether these companies should continue offering such access, potentially limiting competition further.
Telus argues that limiting access to FTTP services could prevent them from expanding their internet offerings across Canada, reducing choices for customers.
“We believe you should have the choice to select who provides your internet. It’s your choice on which brand gives you the best price and quality. The federal government is trying to limit competition, restricting the brands you can choose from. This includes preventing Telus from being able to expand our Internet service across Canada,” explains the petition.
“What do you think? When it comes to choice in internet service providers in Canada, wouldn’t you rather have as many brands to choose from as possible? “, says Telus in its petition.
A Telus spokesperson explained the petition in an email to iPhone in Canada, stating that it is a response to the federal government’s Cabinet Order from November 6, regarding the CRTC decision. Telus is seeking public support to influence the CRTC’s final ruling, which must be completed within 90 days of the government’s order.
“This is about ensuring Canadians have the freedom to choose the best provider for their needs,” said Zainul Mawji, Executive Vice-President of TELUS and President of TELUS Consumer Solutions, in an issued statement on Tuesday.
“At Telus, we’re committed to delivering exceptional service, innovative solutions, and affordable pricing. We urge the CRTC to maintain its original ruling, which aligns with Canada’s goal of greater competition, better pricing, and enhanced consumer choice,” concluded Mawji.
As of writing, there are 2,129 signatures on the petition. It’s unclear where Telus has shared this petition, but it has generated quite a few signatures already–with some coming from Telus employees.
For example, just searching up the most recent names and comments, such as Carlos, Pascal and Tyler–these are all Telus employees based in Vancouver and Montreal, according to their LinkedIn profiles. Telus has over 106,000 employees as of 2024.
Last week, Freedom Mobile also launched a change.org petition, urging Rogers, Telus and Bell to lower roaming fees, which we feel is a more divisive topic. That petition has just over 1,700 signatures.
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Can't wait to get a government who remembers that Canada still exists west of Ontario, ffs
What about east of Ontario too? Seems only Ontario matters. That said, your comment and my reply are off topic and irrelevant to the subject of this article