CRTC sets rates that will allow for greater choice of Internet services

OTTAWA, ON and GATINEAU, QC, Oct. 25, 2024 /CNW/ - Today's decision sets interim wholesale rates that competitors will pay large telephone companies to access their modern fibre networks. The decision will increase choice of affordable Internet services at the higher speeds Canadians expect.

This is the latest step in implementing the CRTC's policy to increase Internet competition in Canada. In November 2023, following an expedited process, the CRTC provided competitors with access to fibre networks in Ontario and Quebec, where competition had declined most significantly. In that decision, the CRTC set interim rates that have been successfully used by competitors to offer new options in those provinces.

In August 2024, following a comprehensive review and a week-long public hearing, the CRTC broadened the access to the large telephone companies' fibre networks across Canada. In that decision, the CRTC required that access be given by February 13, 2025, and committed to issuing interim rates this year.

Today's decision sets those rates. Established using the CRTC's long-standing approach, these rates are based on a thorough analysis of detailed costing information filed by the large telephone companies. The rates reflect the actual costs of building fibre networks and will allow companies to continue investing in high-quality networks. The rates are consistent with the ones already being used by competitors in Ontario and Quebec.

Quotes

"Today's decision will provide Canadians with new options for Internet, television, home phone, and smart home services. We are already seeing competitors using fibre access to bring new offers in Ontario and Quebec, and we look forward to this broader access benefiting even more Canadians."

-  Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, CRTC  

Quick facts

• The CRTC is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates the Canadian communications sector in the public interest. The CRTC holds public consultations on telecommunications and broadcasting matters and makes decisions based on the public record.
• Over the coming months, Canada's large telephone companies will need to provide additional information for the CRTC to finalize the rates.

Associated links

• Telecom Order CRTC 2024-261 - Interim rates for aggregated wholesale high-speed access services over fibre-to-the-premises facilities
• CRTC takes action to bring Canadians more choice and lower prices for high-speed Internet
• Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2024-180 – Competition in Canada's Internet service markets
• CRTC takes action to increase choice and affordability of high-speed Internet
• Telecom Decision CRTC 2023-358 - Review of the wholesale high-speed access service framework – Temporary access to fibre-to-the-premises facilities over aggregated wholesale high-speed access services
• CRTC launches review of approach to Internet services competition and lowers some wholesale rates effectively immediately
• Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2023-56 - Review of the wholesale high-speed access service framework

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SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

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