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I put this in the "I'll believe it when I see it" category, but the CRTC has come out with new rules designed to make it easier for independent ISPs - like Teksavvy - to piggyback on the existing fibre lines of the big Internet providers (i.e. Bell) while trying to pre-empt the latter's inevitable screams that it's not fair and they'll no longer invest in anything if they have to share.
The ruling is two-fold:
1) "The CRTC will set just and reasonable cost-based rates for access to fibre across the country by the end of this year. These rates will be in place in time for the CRTC’s new approach to take full effect in February 2025. For now, the existing rates in Ontario and Quebec will remain in place."
The problem I see here is defining "reasonable and just" and seems to be a loophole you could drive a ship through.
2) How can they stop the giants from arguing it's no longer going to be worth their while to invest big bucks to build out these expensive fibre networks across Canada?
"...the new access granted in today’s decision applies only to fibre that has already been built. Any new fibre built by the large telephone companies will be made available to competitors in five years. This head start gives the large companies an opportunity to more quickly make a return on their investments and encourages them to connect more Canadians to fibre sooner."
The CRTC insists it will "monitor" the market to ensure Canadians get cheaper prices from the Bells of the country.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have a bridge in Brooklyn I have to get ready to sell...
CRTC Press Release
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In a Wall Street Journal story on the new policy, they added this:
"The regulatory decision also said cable-distribution companies, which compete with the telephone providers in offering home-internet services, would be exempt from this order."
Does that mean Rogers won't be affected? If so, why would they get a free pass?
Meanwhile, the Journal also reports that both BCE & Telus saw their stock prices fall slightly on Tuesday, although not in a panic mode kind of way. Still, that likely won't go over well in those boardrooms.
Large Canada Phone Firms Must Open Fiber-Optic Networks to Smaller Rivals