Rogers Urges CRTC to Phase Out Wholesale Network Access Model

During the CRTC’s public hearing on internet competition, Rogers made a case for the phasing out of the current wholesale network access model, which allows smaller players to resell access. The company’s Chief Technology and Information Officer, Ron McKenzie, emphasized that the decisions made in this proceeding will have a significant impact on capital expenditures and could potentially jeopardize investments in rural areas.

Key Points from Rogers’ Argument:

– Ron McKenzie argued for a compensation model that ensures cost recovery and risk sharing for companies like Rogers.
– The ongoing CRTC hearing is reviewing the potential expansion of a decision that temporarily allowed wholesale access to Bell and Telus’ fibre internet networks in Ontario and Quebec, to increase competition.
– Dean Shaikh, Rogers’ senior vice-president of regulatory affairs, highlighted that overbroad wholesale mandates or those favoring one type of network technology or competitor over others undermine market competition.
– Rogers wants wholesale network mandates to be phased out but suggested that big players could still set agreements with smaller companies for network access.

Rogers also emphasized its stance on cable providers being relieved from offering wholesale access to their entirely fibre-based networks, particularly fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP). According to the company, FTTP makes up a minor part of its network as it focuses on enhancing its hybrid fibre-coaxial network.

Additionally, Quebecor’s CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau presented at the hearing and argued for equal regulatory treatment for Bell and Telus, mirroring the conditions applied to cable distributors nationwide. He supported the recent decision allowing temporary wholesale access to Bell and Telus’ fibre networks but criticized Bell for threatening to reduce its fibre network investment.

Overall, both Rogers and Quebecor are advocating for regulatory changes that they believe will foster fair competition in Canada’s telecommunications industry.