In August 2024, through Telecom Regulatory Policy 2024-180 (the Final Decision), the Commission took action to increase Canadians’ choice of ISPs by allowing competitors to sell Internet plans using the existing fibre networks of Canada’s largest telephone companies. The Commission also took steps to help ensure continued investment in high-quality networks by (i) setting cost-based interim rates that ensure large telephone companies are compensated for the expense of building out existing fibre networks, (ii) prohibiting large incumbents from using wholesale access in the parts of the country that they have traditionally served with their own networks, and (iii) delaying competitor access to any newly deployed fibre until 2029.
Accordingly, while the Commission appreciates the significance of the applicants’ claims, the balance of the evidence does not establish a substantial doubt as to the correctness of the Commission’s decision. Therefore, the Commission declines to vary the Final Decision.
The Commission’s updated framework for Internet service competition remains in its early days. Several thousand Canadian households have already purchased new Internet plans offered by dozens of providers that are using the access enabled by the Final Decision. Changing course now would reverse the benefits of this increased competition and would prevent more Canadians from having new choices of ISPs in the future.
The Commission will continue to closely monitor Internet service competition and is ready to make any adjustments necessary. In doing so, the Commission will be guided by ensuring the continued growth of consumer benefits from robust competition between ISPs alongside continued investment in high-speed Internet for the benefit of Canadians. The Commission will also continue to move quickly to set final rates for wholesale access to telephone company fibre networks.
https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2025/2025-154.htm
Needless to say, the incumbents (mostly Bell and Rogers; Telus supported the CRTC decision) are not happy.