Government Backs CRTC's Decision on Internet Infrastructure Sharing
Mélanie Joly, the Minister of Industry and the Minister responsible for economic progress in Quebec, has recently confirmed that the government is in favor of a significant ruling by the CRTC. This decision allows telecommunications companies too share their network infrastructure for fiber internet services.
The Background of Network Sharing
This initiative began last summer when the CRTC tested this sharing model in select areas of Ontario and Quebec. The primary aim was to enable smaller internet service providers (ISPs) to utilize the fiber networks owned by larger companies. this move is expected to give Canadians more options when it comes to choosing their home internet providers.
A key aspect of this ruling is that it permits major carriers to resell each other's infrastructure. As an example, Telus has started offering fiber internet services in Ontario and Quebec using Bell’s existing network. While some have raised concerns about this arrangement, many see it as a positive step toward increasing competition.
Reactions from Major Carriers
Now with federal support backing this initiative, Canadians can expect an increase in available internet options if they are connected to fiber infrastructure at home.previously limited choices from just Bell or Telus may now expand to include smaller ISPs like Teksavvy and Cogeco.
The Future Landscape of Internet Services
How these large carriers will adapt remains uncertain. Telus appears pleased with the ruling sence it actively advocated for its approval; however, Bell had paused its own infrastructure expansion during deliberations—its next steps are still unclear.
Cogeco has already issued a statement criticizing the government's decision. They argue that allowing larger companies like Bell and Telus access to smaller networks could harm independent ISPs' viability without addressing what benefits Cogeco might gain from being able to offer services through bigger networks.
Cogeco's Position Amidst Changes
Interestingly enough, Cogeco does benefit from other wholesale regulations related to wireless network sharing which allowed them recently launch mobile services using Telus’ framework across Ontario and Quebec.
cogeco stated they would continue challenging what they call a flawed wholesale system through legal avenues such as appealing decisions made by the CRTC regarding fiber-sharing rules alongside Eastlink’s similar efforts last month.
Industry Pushback Against New Rules
Rogers also opposes these changes and shared their concerns publicly: “This decision marks a shocking reversal from our government’s previous stance less than one year ago,” said Rogers representatives.
They further claimed that such moves discourage investment within Canada while perhaps leading towards higher prices due lack competition among providers due reduced capital investments into new infrastructures needed build out better service offerings nationwide.”
The Positive Outlook From Other Carriers
In contrast with Rogers’ viewpoint stands Telus who praised Joly’s endorsement stating: “We commend our federal government for upholding an essential framework which promotes competition along with innovation.” They also announced plans invest billions into expanding their own infrastructures throughout Canada moving forward!
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