The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) held a hearing this week to discuss the potential benefits of enabling smaller internet providers to access competitors’ fibre networks. Xplore, a New Brunswick-based company, emphasized the importance of creating a national framework for smaller companies to compete effectively with larger carriers, especially in rural and remote areas.
During the hearing, Rizwan Jamal, CEO of Xplore, highlighted the potential for wholesale access to help expand their customer base in rural and remote Canada. This aligns with the CRTC’s goal of evaluating the effectiveness of Canada’s internet services by gathering insights from over 20 groups, including internet providers, advocates, and stakeholders.
In November, the CRTC mandated Bell and Telus to grant access to their fibre-to-the-home networks in Ontario and Quebec to smaller ISPs. This move aimed to increase competition in these regions. The ongoing hearing will determine whether this requirement should be extended across Canada.
Xplore currently serves 65,000 homes with its fibre network but aims to expand its reach to 400,000 homes. Jamal emphasized that expanding wholesale rules could bridge service gaps and enhance investment returns by enabling service to larger communities.
However, Eastlink’s Executive Vice-Chair Lee Bragg warned about prioritizing consumer choice without considering investment incentives. He pointed out that this approach could lead to decreased competition and lower-quality networks in rural areas. Bragg also noted Eastlink’s withdrawal from 62 communities where service provision became unjustifiable.
Furthermore, independent telco Beanfield Metroconnect raised concerns about bulk condo agreements that create “monopolistic islands” excluding rivals. Todd Hofley, Beanfield’s vice-president of policy and communications, highlighted these agreements as both a competitive issue and a safety concern for residents.
As the hearing continues throughout the week, Telus and Bell will present their perspectives in front of the CRTC. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for the future of Canada’s telecommunications landscape.
Stay tuned as we await further updates on this crucial matter affecting internet providers and consumers across Canada.
