CRTC launches review of approach to Internet services competition and lowers some wholesale rates effectively immediately.
On March 8th 2023, the CRTC launched a consultation on the Internet services market to increase competition, create more choice and lower prices. For the population of Park-extension hammered by inflation this is certainly welcome news. The CRTC recognized its current approach is not meeting its objective of encouraging more competition in the Internet services market, so it is re-examining the rates competitors pay large telephone and cable companies for access to their networks. While it carries out this review, the CRTC is imposing an immediate 10% reduction on some wholesale rates.
The CRTC will also examine on an expedited basis whether large telephone and cable companies should provide competitors with access to their fibre-to-the-home networks, thus enabling faster Internet speeds to their customers.
The CRTC is welcoming comments until April 24, 2023 on the question of mandating access to fibre-to-the-home networks. For all other issues within the scope of the review, comments are accepted until June 22, 2023.
Canadians can participate by filling out the online form, writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario K1A ON2 or sending a fax to (819) 994-0218.
All comments received will form part of the public record and will inform the CRTC’s decision.
“The CRTC is taking immediate action to promote competition in the Internet services market. This starts today with a 10 percent reduction on some wholesale rates. We look forward to hearing from everyone who will participate in our public proceeding so that we can strike the right balance between lower prices and continued investment in high-quality and reliable networks.” Said Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, CRTC
