This is a very sad story, and it may mean many of us will have to start thinking about possibly finding a new Internet provider. As some here are all too aware, almost exactly a year ago, the CRTC came out with an inexplicably stunning decision to deliberately reverse a policy that would have lowered Internet rates for those who subscribe to an independent service, like Teksavvy. 

That allowed those who want to, to bypass the Rogers and Bells of the world. But when CRTC Chair Ian Scott, a former Telus lobbyist, changed the policy, there were fears of what it might bring. And now those Internet chickens appear to be coming home to roost. The smaller indies have filed a desperate appeal for the decision to be reversed. That ruling is expected by the end of this week. 

According to providers like Teksavvy, which claims to have lost some 20% of its customer base since the decision came out, forcing it to jack up rates, nearly all of the independents will go out of business if the appeal goes against them. Most say they are barely hanging on as it is. 

That would leave giants like Bell & Rogers free to jack up rates further, since there would be nowhere else left to go.

Indie internet providers warned for months CRTC decision would kill them — now they’re beginning to disappear

I have to say given the CRTC's previous decisions and the chair's now infamous beer with Bibic, I don't have a lot of hope for this. But I live to be surprised. I'm a very happy Teksavvy subscriber, but being forced to support companies I try never to do business with would be very difficult for me. But I fear the fix has been in for a very long time.