Canada’s telecoms face a key choice between competition and investment
As Canada edges closer to a pivotal telecom decision, the outcome could reshape who controls your internet access and how much you pay for it.
Canada is preparing to finalise a critical policy decision regarding internet affordability and competition. The core policy, reaffirmed by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), mandates that the country’s three major telecom providers, Bell, Telus, and Rogers, must grant wholesale access to their fibre optic networks to smaller internet service providers (ISPs).
The ruling aims to increase consumer choice and stimulate competition by allowing smaller players to use existing infrastructure rather than building their own. The policy also notably expands Telus’s ability to enter new markets, such as Ontario and Quebec, without additional infrastructure investment.
Following concerns raised by major telecom companies, the federal government has been asked to review and potentially overturn the decision. The CRTC warns that reversing the policy could undo competition gains and limit future ISP options.
Meanwhile, Telus and other supporters argue that maintaining the ruling protects regulatory independence and encourages further investment by creating market certainty. Major telecom companies in Canada argue that this policy discourages investment and creates unfair competition, with Bell reporting significant cuts to planned infrastructure spending.
Smaller providers worry about losing market share as big players expand using shared networks. The decision will strongly influence Canada’s future internet competition and investment landscape.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!