The CRTC is back with a familiar move: launching yet another public consultation. This time, the regulator says it wants to make it easier for you to find out which internet and cellphone services are actually available in your neighbourhood.
While the agency frames this as “taking action,” the reality is that they are mostly just asking for feedback on how to collect better data. Instead of forcing lower prices or immediate infrastructure builds, the CRTC is focusing on the National Broadband Map, a project managed alongside Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
The CRTC’s first step today was approving a request to provide “more detailed data” on service providers and speeds. On paper, this sounds great—you’ll be able to see exactly which technologies are at your front door. In practice, most Canadians already know their options are limited to a handful of big players, and a better map doesn’t necessarily mean a better monthly bill.
The regulator claims this data will help people compare options, but for many in rural Canada or those dealing with urban dead zones, the choice is usually between one expensive plan or no service at all.
The second part of today’s news is the launch of a formal consultation to figure out how to report cellphone coverage gaps. The CRTC admits that current data might not accurately reflect the “experiences of Canadians.” Basically, they’ve realized that the signal bars on a provider’s map don’t always match the “No Service” message on your phone.
This new consultation is supposed to help governments and public safety groups identify where the signal actually drops. However, for a country that pays some of the highest wireless rates in the world, being asked to wait until at least March 16, 2026, just for the feedback period to end feels like another delay in a long line of them.
Those in areas without cell and internet coverage do have some options. SpaceX’s Starlink offers portable internet solutions, while its satellite cellphone service is available in Canada through Rogers at $15 per month.
This announcement is part of the CRTC’s Consumer Protections Action Plan, a title that sounds much more aggressive than the actual process of gathering data and updating maps. While knowing where coverage is weak is a necessary step, Canadians have been reporting these gaps for years.
If you want to tell the CRTC what you think about their data collection methods, you have until mid-March to fill out their online form or send them a fax (yes, in 2026).
I’ve looked through the Action Plan mentioned in the release, and it’s a lot of talk about empowering consumers. It’s hard to feel empowered by a map when what people really want is a signal that works and a price that doesn’t hurt.
Want to see more of our stories on Google?
P.S. Want to keep this site truly independent? Support us by buying us a beer, treating us to a coffee, or shopping through Amazon here. Links in this post are affiliate links, so we earn a tiny commission at no charge to you. Thanks for supporting independent Canadian media!
How about starting with the simple things : force carriers to get rid of the "whitelist" and allow WiFi Calling on all of phones, irrespective of make and origin.
They wouldn't budge on VoLTE until they had no choice with the retirement of 3G….this is no different.