The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has decided to keep its current internet-sharing policy in place—for now.
The ruling means that incumbents Rogers, Telus and Bell can continue to resell internet service over each other’s fibre networks at government-mandated rates. However, a final decision is coming this summer, leaving the industry in suspense, reports the Globe and Mail.
This policy, known as the fibre wholesale framework, was created to boost competition and lower prices for Canadians. Independent internet providers hoped the CRTC would block big companies from accessing each other’s networks, fearing it could push smaller competitors out of the market. Instead, the regulator is keeping things as they are for now and will continue its review.
Telus supports the decision, arguing that reselling internet over competitors’ networks increases competition and helps bring better service nationwide. Bell and Rogers, on the other hand, want the practice banned, saying it could hurt investment in new infrastructure. This is a rare time to see the ‘Big 3’ not aligned on a position.
The CRTC policy was only used by Telus so far, as the ruling meant only giving access to networks in Ontario and Quebec. Bell will be able to access the Telus network in western Canada starting February 13, when the policy kicks into gear.
Telus launched a change.org petition last fall, urging Canadians to “demand more internet choice”, saying the feds were stopping it from trying to expand its internet services across Canada. The petition so far has over 207,000 signatures, and from the start, had many employees sign the petition (the petition link is also on the home page of Public Mobile).
Paul Andersen the President of the Canadian Network Operators Consortium, which represents independent internet providers, said he’s disappointed the CRTC didn’t take a stronger stance to protect smaller players.
The CRTC will revisit the issue later this year, with a final decision expected by summer 2025. It’s likely a decision is being delayed with an expected federal election around the corner.
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