Stand Up For Real Internet Choice

Immediate government action is needed to secure affordable internet and a thriving economy

Did you hear?

Canada faces a critical choice: We can build a truly connected future, or risk falling behind through reduced investment in stronger, more accessible networks. Current regulations enable the Big Three to game the system, leading to less investment and holding back Canadians and our economy. It's time for the government to act decisively and unlock real competition.

What’s at stake?

Less affordable prices due to decreased competition
Service decline thanks to fewer choices
Less investment for connectivity in underserved areas

We can’t let this happen. The undeniable truth is that regulation doesn’t build networks – Bold, innovative competitors do.

Let’s deep dive further on the matter

The Big Three – Telus, Rogers, and Bell – are abusing Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) rules that unintentionally give them access to networks they didn't build. These rules were originally meant to encourage competition by allowing smaller, regional providers to access existing networks at regulated rates. The issue is that the Big Three have found a way to use those same rules to game the system and consolidate their power.

This exploitative behaviour leads to less competition, higher prices, and fewer options for consumers. By discouraging investment and competition, the CRTC is taking Canadians further away from true choice and affordability in telecom services.

The Canadian government has so far failed to intervene

On August 6, 2025, the government decided to uphold current CRTC regulations, drawing widespread industry criticism and ultimately, failing Canadians. Regional players are integral to connecting Canada’s already underserved communities, and this latest decision puts the industry in jeopardy.

The damage is already underway. The government’s decision has already led to Eastlink considering halting upgrades in smaller communities.

This will have negative and meaningful impacts on competition, counter to the federal government’s own policy to build a strong, connected Canadian economy enabled by facilities-based investment while encouraging real competition that depends on sustainable networks to create more competition.

— Lee Bragg, Executive Vice Chair of Eastlink.

This decision undermines the very goals it claims to support. It discourages investment, weakens competition, and ultimately harms Canadian consumers.

— Canadian Telecommunications Association.

The Federal Cabinet's inaction is unacceptable. It directly contradicts government efforts to promote sustainable competition and drive economic growth. The CRTC's current approach undermines choice and affordability, halting crucial innovation and investment vital for Canada’s future. Unless corrected, this policy will have a detrimental impact on consumers and the broader Canadian economy.

— Frédéric Perron, President and CEO of Cogeco.

Canadians deserve more than three options for internet service. They deserve real competition, durable investment and infrastructure that reaches everyone. Broadband policy should be about improving and extending connectivity – enabling the competitive, entrepreneurial investment that makes it possible. Cabinet must act to protect that future.

— Nathan Simington, former commissioner, Federal Communications Commission (U.S.), who grew up in Saskatchewan

By declining this request and allowing large carriers to resell on each other’s networks and bundle wireless services, Canadians will actually see less competition for high-speed internet services.

— Paul Andersen, President and Chair of the Competitive Network Operators of Canada (CNOC)

The Big Three have an unfortunate history of predatory pricing to undercut wholesale competition. Without rules in place to protect against this, we see no reason why they will not continue to do so.

— Andy Kaplan-Myrth, Vice President of Regulatory and Carrier Affairs at TekSavvy Solutions

Unless this decision is overturned, and the Big Three are banned from reselling the networks of smaller players, damage will only continue, and we cannot let this happen. We urge the government to review the current CRTC regulations and take decisive action to foster a truly competitive landscape, prioritizing the long-term interests of Canadians. At this moment of trade and economic uncertainty, Canada needs more investment, not less. Regional and smaller broadband providers such as SaskTel, Eastlink, and Cogeco create high-paying jobs across the country, bring real competition against the Big Three and provide affordable, quality internet to millions of Canadians - all of which are vital for a strong, competitive economy.

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