CRTC Maintains Stance on Internet Resale Policy
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has reaffirmed its policy that allows major telecom companies to resell internet services through each other's networks. This decision comes despite pushback from various industry players. The policy originated nearly a year ago when the CRTC required large providers like Bell and Telus to allow competitors access to their fiber networks. Initially limited to Ontario and Quebec, this directive now applies nationwide.
Pros and Cons of the New Policy
The CRTC's ruling has received praise for improving Canada's wholesale internet framework, giving internet service providers (ISPs) better access to essential fiber infrastructure. However, it has also faced criticism for enabling dominant companies such as Bell, Rogers, and Telus to enter the same wholesale market even in areas where they do not have their own network presence. Detractors argue that this could harm fair competition by allowing these larger firms to overshadow smaller ISPs.
Opponents of the policy had a tough job proving there was “substantial doubt” about the CRTC's decision. Many submitted applications and research studies backing their claims.
CRTC Justifies Its Decision
In a ruling published on June 20, 2025, the CRTC stated that no significant evidence emerged questioning its original stance. The commission provided several reasons for maintaining its position. One important point is that when an ISP uses wholesale access to expand beyond its current network area, it effectively offers consumers more choices. Additionally, contrary to what critics claimed, the commission found that its policy would only slightly impact regional ISPs' market share in the short term.
The CRTC also tackled concerns about incumbents gaining an advantage through bundled services by noting that many ISPs have successfully built strong customer bases with standalone internet plans over time. Furthermore, it dismissed fears that this decision would discourage investment in network infrastructure by highlighting factors likely to encourage ongoing investment:
- The need for ISPs to remain competitive
- The operational benefits of fiber compared with older copper systems
- Fair wholesale rates designed to help cover costs associated with expanding networks
- Investment protections included within this ruling
With these considerations in mind, the CRTC decided against reversing its earlier choice. The commission pointed out that thousands of households across Canada are already enjoying new internet plans from various providers thanks to this ruling's provisions. Changing course now could erase competitive advantages gained so far and limit future options for Canadians seeking different ISPs.
Reactions from Major Telecom Companies
While the CRTC believes telecom firms will be encouraged to keep investing in infrastructure improvements due to this decision, some industry leaders express doubts about this outlook. Bell has been particularly outspoken regarding these developments; they warn that if there is no reconsideration of this ruling, significant cuts may occur in their fiber investment initiatives moving forward. Earlier in 2025 alone saw Bell launch a public campaign against wholesale fiber policies while threatening reductions affecting up to 1.5 million homes.
During a recent earnings call held by Bell's CEO Mirko Bibic emphasized his company's unwillingness “to build fiber for Telus's benefit,” directly addressing how Telus utilized wholesale access via Bell's infrastructure for launching PureFibre services across Ontario and Quebec regions-despite being one of few supporters backing initial decisions made by CRTC alongside other smaller players who opposed allowing incumbents entry into markets without existing presence themselves.
The Canadian Telecommunications Association-which represents companies like Bell and Rogers but excludes Telus-has called upon federal authorities intervene against or reverse decisions made previously at levels set forth under jurisdictional oversight granted them until August 13th when cabinet retains power either amend rulings or request further examination surrounding issues raised throughout discussions held thus far regarding implications stemming from changes enacted recently impacting entire sectors involved therein overall landscape shaping future connectivity options available citizens nationwide alike going forward into next phases development efforts underway currently being pursued actively today still ongoing continuously evolving rapidly changing environments present challenges ahead requiring careful consideration all parties involved working collaboratively together towards achieving common goals shared ultimately benefiting everyone concerned collectively moving forward positively enhancing experiences enjoyed users everywhere accessing vital resources needed thrive modern society increasingly reliant technology connectivity solutions offered here today tomorrow beyond!
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