The federal government says it will not overturn a recent decision by the country’s telecom regulator that could boost competition and help bring down internet prices.
In a statement released by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said on Wednesday evening the CRTC’s move to expand wholesale internet access is in line with the government’s priorities.
“Canada’s new government has a strong mandate to bring costs down and to build one, strong, Canadian economy – one that aligns with our core values as a nation,” said Joly. “This mandate serves as the foundation on which all our decisions are made.”
Back in August 2024, the CRTC ruled that major telecom companies—including Bell, Rogers, and Telus—must provide access to their high-speed networks so competitors can offer internet services, even outside their traditional service areas. The goal is to lower prices and give consumers more choice.
“The CRTC is an independent and quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates the Canadian communications sector in the public interest,” said Joly. “According to the policy direction, the CRTC is responsible for considering how its decisions affect all forms of competition and investment, as well as how they foster affordability and lower prices, amongst other factors.”
Several companies, including Eastlink, Cogeco, and SaskTel, had asked the government to change the CRTC’s decision–arguing it was unfair to smaller providers. But the government rejected that request.
“To that end, the government is declining to alter the CRTC’s decision to expand mandatory wholesale access,” said Joly. “Canadians depend on telecommunications services for every aspect of life. By immediately increasing competition and consumer choice, the CRTC’s decision aims to reduce the cost of high-speed Internet for Canadians and will contribute toward our broader mandate to bring down costs across the board.”
The CRTC’s decision sparked backlash from both major and regional players. Bell and Rogers opposed it, warning it would hurt investment and jobs, with Bell cutting $500 million in spending. Cogeco, Eastlink, and the Competitive Network Operators of Canada (CNOC) argued the policy unfairly benefits national giants at the expense of smaller providers. TekSavvy said it damages independent competition.
Telus broke rank from its major rivals and supported the move, saying it would improve affordability in areas where it lacks its own network (which is why Bell has been complaining about Telus getting access to its network).
According to ISED, the CRTC’s decision followed “extensive consultation with experts, the Competition Bureau, and over 300 public submissions.” The regulator will continue monitoring the market and make changes if needed to ensure Canadians benefit from both strong competition and ongoing investments in internet infrastructure.
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“The CRTC is an independent and quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates the Canadian communications sector in the public interest,” said Joly. “According to the policy direction, the CRTC is responsible for considering how its decisions affect all forms of competition and investment, as well as how they foster affordability and lower prices, amongst other factors.”
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Doesn't this one paragraph speak volumes on how dismal of a failure the CRTC is?
Time to take one of Justin's past pets Ms. Joly out of the equation perhaps?
She seems to be the epitome of "falling upwards"…God help us with these people at the wheel.