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CRTC Upholds Telecoms’ Right to Resell on Rival Fibre Networks

The regulator says the framework balances competition with investment incentives; it will monitor the impact on consumer prices.

Canada’s telecommunications regulator has once again determined the country’s largest internet providers should be able to provide service to customers using fibre networks built by their rivals — as long as they are outside their core serving regions. Networking cables in a server bay are shown in Toronto on Wednesday, November 8, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
In a Friday morning decision,the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission held firm on its previous decision that Telus, Bell and Rogers are allowed to expand into each others’ fibre networks where they don’t already have their own infrastructure.

Overview

  • The CRTC reaffirmed its February 2024 wholesale framework permitting Bell, Telus and Rogers to resell internet services on each other’s fibre networks outside their core regions.
  • The policy sets regulated wholesale rates to improve internet affordability and foster competition by granting incumbents access to existing infrastructure.
  • Bell and Rogers warned that mandated sharing could deter investment in network expansion and risk market consolidation at the expense of smaller providers.
  • Telus and the Competition Bureau backed the decision, arguing that out-of-territory access will boost competitive intensity and lower prices in underserved areas.
  • The CRTC plans ongoing monitoring after noting early indicators of stronger competition, while the federal cabinet can still review or alter the policy until August 13.