The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has unveiled new interim wholesale rates that smaller internet providers will pay to access the fibre networks of Canada’s major telecom players, including Bell, Rogers, and Telus. This move aims to boost competition and make high-speed internet services more affordable for Canadians.
For years, Canada’s internet market has been dominated by a few large providers, leaving little room for competition. To address this, the CRTC has been taking steps to break up the monopolistic hold these telecom giants have had on the market.
In November 2023, the CRTC granted smaller internet service providers access to fibre networks in Ontario and Quebec—regions where competition had significantly dropped. This decision has led to new internet options in these areas, providing consumers with more choices for affordable, high-speed internet.
In August 2024, the CRTC extended this access to telecoms’ fibre networks nationwide, with a deadline for full implementation set for February 2025. The latest announcement finalizes the interim rates, which have been established based on cost analyses provided by the telecom companies. These rates aim to strike a balance between encouraging continued investment in high-quality networks and ensuring that smaller providers can compete effectively in the market.
“This decision will provide Canadians with additional options for Internet, television, home phone, and smart home services,” said Vicky Eatrides, Chair and CEO of the CRTC. “We are already seeing new competitors offering fibre access in Ontario and Quebec, and we look forward to this broader access benefiting even more Canadians.”
However, the public response to this announcement has been largely skeptical. On social media platform X, many users expressed frustration, with one saying, “Maybe try setting wholesale rates lower than Bell and Telus’ actual retail rates.” Others echoed similar sentiments, saying, “I’ll believe it when I see it. Because the opposite has happened with cellphone rates and roaming. They went up instead of down. We need real competition with new foreign ownership rules. Let the American telcos in!!!!”
As the CRTC moves forward with its plan to expand internet access and competition, many Canadians remain hopeful, but only time will tell whether these measures will lead to lower prices and a truly competitive internet market in the country.
