The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) completed a key step to create more competition and choice in the mobile wireless market for Canadians.
The CRTC has made decisions on the terms and conditions that will support the deployment of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), enhancing the ability of regional wireless providers to offer more competition and choice to Canadians.
As a result of this, the CRTC is opening the door for more companies, in particular smaller regional wireless providers in more rural areas, to access the wireless networks of Canada’s largest providers, namely Bell Mobility, Rogers Communications, Telus and SaskTel.
Moreover, calls and data sessions of MVNO subscribers will be ensured not to drop when they move between coverage zones, with MVNO access being offered on current and future wireless networks, including 5G.
Several provisions that would make the MVNO access service more restrictive or difficult to use by regional wireless providers will also be preempted, including wholesale resale access from regional providers.
The large wireless providers must now begin accepting requests for access to their networks and enter into negotiations with regional wireless providers to agree on wholesale MVNO rates.
“We expect the large providers to negotiate in good faith and come to an agreement as quickly as possible with regional wireless providers,” said Ian Scott, chairperson and CEO of CRTC.
