The CRTC has launched a public hearing to explore ways to make it easier for Canadians to compare home Internet plans, with hearings that started on Tuesday, June 10 and are continuing into Wednesday in Gatineau, Quebec.
The goal is to help consumers make informed choices by standardizing how internet information is presented—such as using clear labels like those on food products. The Commission is seeking public input on what details should be included, how to explain technical terms, and whether the CCTS should help enforce any new rules. This plan was first announced back in December seeking public feedback.
On Wednesday, it was Telus that presented at the CRTC hearing.
Telus is urging the CRTC to adopt clear, standardized rules for how internet service providers disclose network performance details to customers—without making it overly complicated.
Speaking today, Telus Vice President of Telecom Policy and Chief Regulatory Legal Counsel, Stephen Schmidt, said the focus should be on “simple and relevant metrics” that help Canadians compare internet plans. This includes disclosing median speeds, advertised maximum speeds, latency, and the type of technology (like fibre or satellite).
“Consumers deserve transparency to make informed decisions,” said Schmidt, adding that these rules should apply equally to all providers, not just major carriers.
Telus warned against copying rules from other countries, saying Canada’s telecom landscape is different. For instance, while U.S. labels might require pricing details, Telus says Canada already has strong pricing rules under both the Telecommunications Act and Competition Act.
The company also said internet performance testing should follow standardized methods, ideally developed through a CRTC-led working group. “Without clear testing standards, comparisons between providers could be misleading,” said Schmidt.
Finally, Telus pushed back against handing oversight of the new rules to the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS), arguing that the CRTC has the technical expertise needed.
“We support better transparency,” said Schmidt, “but the implementation must be focused, consistent, and realistic if it’s going to work for all Canadians.”
At the end of the day, the CRTC really should push to show averages of internet speeds per average connection. Most of the time advertised speeds are based on ‘perfect’ conditions in testing and do not apply to all households.
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Telus warned against copying rules from other countries, saying Canada’s telecom landscape is different.
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Telus would rather keep Canadians "deaf, dumb and blind" to the cunningly shrewd telecom shenanigans to maintain a monopoly.
Just imagine how ticked off most Canadians would be when they see how much we are paying vs other developed countries globally.
You have to shop around for the best price, it takes some work on the consumers end. I'm paying $60 for 1.5 GB Internet and $35 for cellphone service where I can use it virtually anywhere
The point here is that we shouldn't have to search around every year for the best deal so we're not stuck paying absurd prices. yet here we are.
Yes, exactly. Users of this site are pretty technical and savvy, but the average Canadian is getting ripped off by these companies with their chicanery, unscrupulousness and obfuscation. It’s not right.
Even for us savvy users, it is such a waste of time having to do it, time which could be spent on better things.
Exactly. Telus is saying that they have pushed around the regulator to successfully exempt themselves from transparent pricing leaving each and every customer to fight for themselves in isolation. So why ruin it??
If the big companies are complaining then it means it's better for the consumer.