Cogeco says it’s “profoundly disappointed” with the federal government’s decision to uphold the CRTC’s wholesale internet policy, accusing Ottawa of favouring Canada’s largest telecom companies at the expense of smaller providers, competition, and consumers.
In a statement released late Wednesday, the company called the current wholesale framework “broken” and “nonsensical,” arguing it lets major players like Bell, Rogers, and Telus expand by reselling access to networks built by smaller regional companies like Cogeco.
“The Federal Cabinet’s inaction is unacceptable,” said Frédéric Perron, President and CEO of Cogeco, in an issued statement to iPhone in Canada. “It directly contradicts government efforts to promote sustainable competition and drive economic growth. The CRTC’s current approach undermines choice and affordability, halting crucial innovation and investment vital for Canada’s future.”
Cogeco says the policy will lead to “reduced consumer choice and stalled network investments,” and claims the government has “squandered a crucial chance to foster a healthy and dynamic market.”
The company says it plans to keep fighting the CRTC’s “broken” wholesale regime, including through the Federal Court of Appeal.
On the wireless side, Cogeco recently launched cellphone services using the Telus network. But on the internet side, Telus says Cogeco is fighting to not share its network.
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