Bell Initiates Campaign Advocating for Ottawa, CRTC to Reverse Wholesale Fibre Policy
Unleashing the Battle over Fibre: Bell Canada Vs. CRTC
Bell Canada's latestmove involves a heated debate with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) over the resale of fibre internet services on its network by rivals.
In a new initiative called 'Build, Connect, and Grow Canada', Bell is locking horns with the CRTC, targeting its recent decision that has permitted telecommunications titans to sell internet services in regions without their own fibre networks by renting the local incumbent's infrastructure.
Bell fiercely opposes this policy, which they claim the CRTC will re-examine this summer following a comprehensive review. Bell argues that the policy acts as a barrier to major providers investing in their own infrastructure, leading to a lack of network resiliency, especially in remote areas.
Reacting to the CRTC's February verdict, Bell reduced $500 million worth of investment for this year and delayed connecting 1.5 million locations to their fibre network.
Standing on the opposite end, Telus Corp. backs the CRTC policy, asserting that it promotes competition and ultimately, affordability for customers. Telus contends that their foray into regional markets without their network infrastructure accelerates competition and lowers prices for consumers.
Bell urges to "eliminate regulatory confusion and unearth billions in investments vital for Canada's economic expansion."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on May 12, 2025.
Involved Companies: (TSX: BCE, TSX: T)
[1] (Source: Network World) - Investment in own infrastructure ensures better network reliability and bolsters competition.[2] (Source: Financial Post) - Bell's stance is influenced by the policy's impact on regulatory uncertainty, network resiliency, and investment in new infrastructure.[3] (Source: IT World Canada) - Bell's push for the elimination of this policy aims to boost investments essential for Canada's economic growth. Telus' strategy of entering regions without their network infrastructure is promoted as good for consumers, as it provides additional options and reduces prices.
- Bell Canada's opposition to the CRTC's policy stems from concerns about regulatory uncertainty, network resiliency, and investments in new infrastructure.
- The bold initiative called 'Build, Connect, and Grow Canada' undertaken by Bell Canada is focused on improving network reliability, with investments in own infrastructure being a crucial part of the strategy.
- The elimination of the CRTC's policy, as advocated by Bell, is aimed at uncovering billions in investments vital for Canada's economic expansion, which could potentially lead to a more robust and competitive industry landscape.
