CRTC Telecom Decision Referred Back for Reconsideration
On February 9, 2023, the Governor in Council issued a directive to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to promote competition, affordability, consumer rights, and universal access in telecommunications. This directive required the CRTC to ensure the provision of aggregated wholesale high-speed access services until sustainable competition is achieved.
On March 8, 2023, the CRTC initiated a review of the wholesale high-speed access service framework. Subsequently, on November 6, 2023, the CRTC issued Decision CRTC 2023-358, mandating large telecom providers to offer temporary access to fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) facilities in Ontario and Quebec at interim rates.
Bell Canada petitioned the Governor in Council on February 2, 2024, to rescind or reconsider this decision, arguing for mandatory access across Canada and restrictions on the use of aggregated FTTP services by major carriers. The Governor in Council, considering the petition and related advice, has referred the decision back to the CRTC for reconsideration within 90 days.
The Governor in Council emphasized the importance of FTTP technology and access to aggregated services for competition in the retail Internet market. Concerns were also raised about investment in broadband infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote areas, and the viability of smaller Internet service providers.
The CRTC is tasked with reassessing whether major telecom companies should be restricted from using aggregated FTTP services in Ontario and Quebec.