The federal government is proposing new rules that it says will help make the Internet more affordable and reduce phone bills.
Ottawa will require the Telecommunications and Broadcasting Commission of Canada (CRTC) to allow smaller Internet service providers to access the networks of large telecommunications companies and says it “must take steps to have wholesale tariffs more timely and improved “.
But it will not overturn a controversial CRTC ruling last year that overturned the regulatory agency’s own 2019 decision to reduce the fees that large telecommunications may charge smaller Internet service providers for access. in their broadband networks.
The government is also ordering the CRTC to improve its hybrid mobile virtual network (MVNO) operator model and says it is willing to move to a full MVNO model to support competition if needed.
MVNOs are wireless providers that buy mobile network service from large carriers at a wholesale price and then sell access to customers at a more affordable price.
Ottawa also calls on the CRTC to address what it calls unacceptable sales practices and establish new measures to improve clarity about service prices and customers’ ability to cancel or change services.
It also wants service providers to implement mandatory broadband testing so that Canadians understand why they pay.
Ottawa’s proposed telecommunications policy comes as concerns about the acquisition of Shaw Communications Inc. increase. for $ 26 billion from Rogers Communications Inc.