Government Orders CRTC to Reevaluate Big Telecom Access Rules
- Bell Canada petitioned to overturn a CRTC decision for wholesale fibre access.
- The Governor-in-Council denied the petition and instructed the CRTC to reassess the restrictions on major telecom providers.
- This decision aims to enhance competition, affordability, and support investments in underserved areas.
On November 6, 2024, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, issued a statement regarding Bell Canada's petition to the Governor-in-Council. Bell sought to overturn a CRTC decision that facilitated temporary wholesale access to fibre Internet in Ontario and Quebec. In a decisive move, the Governor-in-Council declined Bell's request and instructed the CRTC to reevaluate restrictions preventing major telecommunications companies, specifically Bell, Rogers, and TELUS, from accessing wholesale fibre services. This action highlights the government's commitment to maintaining competition and supporting small and regional Internet providers. The government's objective is to ensure the viability of these smaller providers while enhancing investments in Internet infrastructure, especially in underserved communities such as rural and Indigenous areas. The Minister lauded the CRTC's swift actions towards improving competition and affirmed the government's focus on ensuring affordable and reliable telecommunications services for Canadians. The government's ongoing efforts are crucial for fostering an environment that promotes greater consumer choice and investment in the telecommunications sector.