The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has launched a review on internet services in an effort to create more competition in the market.
The CRTC is re-examining the rates competitors pay to large telephone and cable companies for access to their networks.
While the review is underway, the CRTC is imposing an immediate 10 per cent reduction on some wholesale rates.
Windsor-West MP Brian Masse applauds the move after years of advocating for Canadian internet consumers.
“The 10 per cent price cut for wholesale internet rates, while not enough, is an acknowledgement of the grave mistake made in 2021 by the CRTC to raise wholesale rates which drastically reduced competition in the internet services market, and forced the elimination of small competitors to the incumbent telecom oligopoly of Bell. Rogers, Telus, and Quebecor," said Masse. "The new consultation on the internet service market and how lower prices needs to focus on price caps and the separation of the wholesale and retail markets, which is what other countries have done, which have led to drastic price reductions.”
All Canadian residents are encouraged to participate in the review. Comments can be made online or by writing to the Secretary General of the CRTC.
Comments on the question of mandating access to fibre-to-the-home networks can be made until April 24.
Comments on all other issues within the scope of the review will be accepted until June 22.
