CRTC Wireless Industry Shakeup Could Mean Cheaper Phone Plans for Us All

Technology

CRTC Wireless Industry Shakeup Could Mean Cheaper Phone Plans for Us All

May 15

Hey, have you heard the good news? The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has finally decided to take action to increase wireless competition in Canada! And this time, it’s not just a mere illusion of competition, but actual competition that we all deserve.

So, what’s the plan? In 2021, the CRTC set a policy that allows regional cellphone providers to compete as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) across Canada. This means that the big dogs like Bell, Rogers, and Telus must now share their networks with competitors.

This policy change is a game-changer for regional competitors like Freedom Mobile, who can now offer their services to new parts of the country. And this is great news for Canadians who have been longing for more choices when it comes to their cellphone service.

Now, the CRTC has finalized the rules for this MVNO access, and companies have 90 days to negotiate MVNO access agreements. The CRTC expects that these regional competitors will start selling plans in new parts of Canada shortly after these agreements are in place. They’re making sure that the deals are reached quickly so that Canadians can have more options for their cellphone services.

This is an exciting development for Canadians who have been wanting more choices and better prices when it comes to cellphone services. Increased competition could lead to more affordable plans and better deals for all of us. So, let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope that this policy change will finally give us the freedom to choose the most affordable cellphone plan that suits our needs.

Via CRTC

May 9, 2023 – Ottawa-Gatineau – Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

Today, the CRTC has taken a major step forward to increase cellphone service competition in Canada.

In 2021, the CRTC set an initial policy that allows regional cellphone providers to compete as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) across Canada. Under this policy, large cellphone companies must share their networks with competitors. With access to larger networks, regional competitors will be able to offer cellphone services in parts of Canada that they do not currently serve.

The CRTC has now set the final rules for this MVNO access. Companies have 90 days to negotiate MVNO access agreements. The CRTC expects that regional competitors will start selling plans in new parts of Canada shortly after these agreements are in place. The CRTC will ensure that deals are reached quickly so that Canadians have more choice of cellphone services.