Today, the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has announced its final decision on wholesale access to fiber networks in Canada. In 2023, the CRTC initiated a public proceeding aimed at enhancing internet competition in the country. Following a prolonged period of legal challenges from interested parties and interventions by legacy cable companies, the CRTC has ultimately confirmed its decision to move forward.

The CRTC’s decision pertains solely to existing fiber networks operated by major companies such as Bell Canada, Saskatchewan Telecommunications (SaskTel), and TELUS Communications Inc. This decision does not extend to fiber networks that are currently under construction. Newly constructed fiber networks will be granted a 5-year exemption following completion, potentially allowing operators additional time to recoup costs associated with their construction endeavors.

“Today’s decision builds on our work to ensure that Canadians have access to more choice of high-quality Internet and cellphone services at lower prices. We have already taken action to encourage more competition in the cellphone market, while maintaining incentives for companies to invest in networks. We are seeing a positive impact on the cellphone rates Canadians pay and expect to see similar benefits for Internet services.”
– Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, CRTC 

The latest report from ISED suggests that internet prices in Canada are continuing to fall, likely due to growing pressure from regulators within the market. The data also indicates that while overall broadband prices in Canada are decreasing, the country’s international price ranking has remained relatively stable since ISED first started studying prices in 2008.

However, major carriers such as Bell have raised concerns in legal filings about how this decision might impact their competitiveness and ability to expand their services in the market. It seems that the CRTC has addressed this issue by providing time-limited exclusivity.

We reached out to Bell Canada, Telus, and Cogeco for comment but did not receive any response from them before publishing.