Bell ‘Disappointed’ by Ottawa’s Decision to Uphold CRTC Internet Policy

We’ve already seen responses from Rogers, Telus, and Cogeco—and now Bell is weighing in, saying it’s disappointed by the federal government’s decision to uphold the CRTC’s wholesale internet policy, which requires large telecoms to provide competitors with access to their fibre networks.

“I should say that obviously we’re disappointed with the decision of the federal government last night to decline to alter the CRTC’s decision to expand mandatory wholesale access,” said Bell CEO Mirko Bibic during the company’s Q2 2025 earnings call today.

Bell warned that network builders should be fairly compensated for their infrastructure investments. “At this stage we’d urge the government and the CRTC to ensure that network builders are fully compensated for significant build costs and investment risks they take in building.”

Despite the setback, Bell says it remains focused on executing its broader strategy.

“I also want to emphasize that the Bell team remains sharply focused on executing our strategic plan and delivering value for customers and shareholders,” the company said. “We’re building made-in-Canada tech services champions with Ateko and Bell Cyber. We’re building the backbone of the AI ecosystem with Bell AI Fabric and as Canada’s digital media and content leader.”

“These are the types of major investments BCE continues to make in Canada to connect Canadians with each other, with their customers, and with technology,” Mirko added.

Bell has previously called out Telus for not building its own fibre network, as part of the CRTC’s wholesale internet policy.