The CRTC is making a move that should lead to cheaper monthly internet bills for millions of Canadians. The regulator on Friday has finalized the prices that smaller, independent internet companies have to pay to use the giant fibre networks built by our big telecoms such as Rogers, Telus and Bell.
By locking in these rates, the CRTC is giving smaller providers the green light to offer more competitive plans for home internet, TV, and smart home services to about 8.5 million households.
Essentially, the CRTC is making it easier for smaller independents to use the high-speed infrastructure that’s already in the ground. The regulator says these final prices are based on the actual costs of building and keeping those networks running.
Since dozens of smaller companies are already using these networks to launch new deals, finalizing the costs means they can keep competing without worrying about sudden price hikes from the big players. CRTC Chairperson Vicky Eatrides says this approach is already resulting in more affordable options while still making sure the big companies get paid fairly for their investments.
This ruling is part of a bigger plan to make the internet market less of a headache. On top of helping competitors, the CRTC recently got rid of activation fees on plans and forced companies to give you a heads-up before your discounts or contracts end.
In a separate move today, the regulator also ruled that companies have to let you change or cancel your plan online or through an app, removing the barrier of calling in (which is literally hell on Earth) to big telcos.
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