Coalition of independent internet providers asks CRTC to fix errors in wholesale fibre rates
Coalition of competitive ISPs say current fibre rates make competition impossible and threatens to harm
millions of Canadian consumers
Chatham, ON – July 23, 2026 – A coalition of independent internet service providers (the Coalition) led by
TekSavvy Solutions Inc. (TekSavvy) today applied to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC) to review and vary Telecom Order 2026-77, which set final wholesale rates for fibre
internet services. In that decision, the CRTC approved wholesale rates for fibre internet services that are
higher than the retail prices charged by the large carriers. This makes competition impossible, as independent
providers are forced to either sell at a loss or set prices above the large carriers, leaving millions of Canadian
consumers without competitive options for essential internet services.
The application identifies key errors that led the CRTC to approve severely inflated final wholesale rates, which
make it economically impossible for independent providers to compete. The Coalition argues that the CRTC’s
incorrect rates negate the very purpose of Canada's wholesale framework, which is to foster competition in
retail broadband markets. Specifically, the Coalition asks the CRTC to make three key changes to Telecom
Order 2026-77:
- Eliminate one cost factor that is inconsistent with the CRTC’s established costing principles, which
artificially increased fibre wholesale rates by an estimated 25% to 30% (the Adjustment Factor). - Reduce another element of the costing that is inflated above reasonable levels: The Coalition calls on
the CRTC to reduce the markup applied to wholesale fibre services from 30% to 15%, reflecting
declining costs, operational efficiencies, and the need to support competition. - Correct technical errors relating to certain wholesale fibre speed descriptions.
"Canadians were promised greater competition for fibre internet services, but these rates make competition
impossible.” said Andy Kaplan-Myrth, TekSavvy’s Vice President of Regulatory and Carrier Affairs. "The CRTC
must correct these errors to ensure its wholesale rates promote broadband competition that challenges the
market power of monopoly incumbents, lowers prices, and increases consumer choice.”
About the Coalition
The Coalition consists of competitive telecommunications providers and industry associations advocating for
fair wholesale access to fibre networks and a competitive broadband marketplace that delivers affordable,
high-quality Internet services to Canadians, including: TekSavvy Solutions Inc., BC Broadband Association
(“BCBA”), Canada-Wide Internet Service Providers Association (“CanWISP”), Fibernetics Inc., ISP Telecom
Inc., National Capital FreeNet Inc., Novus Entertainment Inc. and Purple Cow Internet Inc.
About TekSavvy Solution Inc.
Based in Chatham, Ontario, TekSavvy is Canada’s largest independent telecom service company. TekSavvy
has been proudly delivering award-winning services and fighting for consumers’ rights for nearly 30 years.
TekSavvy is committed to providing quality competitive choice and closing Canada’s digital divide.
For more information contact
media.relations@teksavvy.ca
