Telecom Shakeup: What the CRTC’s Ruling Means for You (and Why It Might Be Too Late)
On June 20, 2025, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) made a historic decision that could reshape Canada’s telecom landscape: Bell, Rogers, Telus, and SaskTel will now be required to allow smaller internet and mobile provider’s access to their networks at wholesale rates. This policy has the potential to increase competition, lower prices, and improve service nationwide. But there's one big catch: Many of the smaller providers that were meant to benefit from this decision have already been bought up by the Big Three.
So, what does this mean for you as a CanNet Telecom customer? Let’s break it down.
The CRTC’s decision forces Canada’s largest telecoms, Bell, Rogers, Telus, and SaskTel to share their infrastructure, including their fibre-optic and wireless networks, with smaller players. This will apply to networks ranging from 3G and 4G/LTE to 5G.
The goal? We really hope this will encourage more competition and provide more affordable options for consumers. Even though it won’t make a huge difference but every bit helps. Smaller providers will soon be able to offer services over these networks, which could hopefully create a more competitive market.
Why Does It
Matter?
More
Competition = Lower Prices
Expect more choices and lower prices in the near future. With access to Big Telco infrastructure, regional players like Freedom Mobile or Eastlink can now compete head-to-head with giants like Bell and Telus. In fact, smaller providers have often offered prices up to 68% lower than the Big Three. This means you could save big on your monthly bill, especially if you're willing to consider alternatives.
Seamless
Coverage Across Canada
Along with the network-sharing policy, the CRTC is also mandating seamless national roaming. What does that mean for you? It means you can move from one network to another without losing your call or data connection, whether you’re in the city or out in more remote areas. This ensures you’ll always have reliable service, no matter where you go.
A
Seven-Year Window for Growth
This policy will remain in effect for seven years, giving smaller providers the time they need to build their own infrastructure and become more self-sufficient. During this period, the hope is that more competition will drive better service and innovation.
But here’s
the Big Catch: Is It Too Late?
While this move by the CRTC is a step in the right direction, many of the smaller players who could have benefited the most from this ruling have already been swallowed up by the Big Three.
In recent years, Bell, Rogers, and Telus have steadily acquired smaller ISPs and mobile providers. Freedom Mobile, once a strong independent competitor, is now owned by Quebecor, Videotron and was absorbed. For many, the potential benefits of this policy may not reach the independent players it was designed to help, because those players no longer exist.
While there are still some regional carriers left, the telecom landscape has become more concentrated, and the CRTC’s decision may be arriving after the window for real competition has closed.
What Does
This Mean for CanNet Telecom Customers?
1. More
Affordable Plans Could Be on the Way
The biggest impact could be lower prices. With more providers now able to access Big Telco networks, you might see more affordable plans hitting the market. Keep an eye out for smarter offers, especially from regional players who are looking to grab what little market share they can and still compete with the Big Three.
2. Improved
Future National Coverage
We are still awaiting the decision from the CRTC to set wholesale rates for fibre infrastructure for third-party internet service providers. We hope to see that happen in the very near future and then we will be able to offer affordable fibre internet plans to a lot more people in Canada.
3. More
Value-Added Offers and Better Promotions
With greater competition in the market, providers like CanNet will have to stay competitive. That could mean better options, more promotions, and maybe even more loyalty perks designed to keep you as a customer.
What to
Keep an Eye On
1.
Negotiations over Wholesale Rates
There will be some hard negotiations between the Big Three and smaller providers to decide on pricing. If agreements can’t be reached, the CRTC may intervene to ensure fair rates. This will affect the overall pricing landscape.
2. How Big Telcos
Respond
Will Bell, Rogers, and Telus slow down their investments in new technologies like fibre and 5G? Or will they double down and accelerate their rollouts to stay ahead of the competition?
3. Can
Smaller Providers Scale Up?
We’ll also have to watch how the remaining independent providers, will react. Can they grow quickly enough to offer competitive alternatives to the Big Three? We really hope there will be some true competition but the situation is dire.
The Bottom
Line
The CRTC’s decision is a game-changer for Canada’s telecom industry, but for many, it feels like it might be too little, too late. While the new ruling could encourage competition, the domination of the Big Three has already made it difficult for smaller players to carve out space in the market.
That said, for CanNet customers, there is still hope. This decision will likely lead to more competitive pricing, better national coverage, and smarter offers in the coming years. It’s an exciting time, and while the market may be consolidating, the benefits of increased competition could still lead to better value for you.
Stay tuned, or check out our current plans and promotions for you.
Feel free to reach out if you need more information or have questions about how this ruling could impact your CanNet services. We’re here to help!