Canada's telecommunications regulator, the CRTC, has expanded its ruling that requires large telecom companies like Bell Canada and Telus Corp to allow smaller internet providers access to their fibre networks for a fee starting February 2025.
The expansion aims to enhance competition in the internet services market, according to news reports.
This decision builds on a previous ruling that temporarily applied only in Ontario and Quebec.
In response, Bell announced a $1.1 billion reduction in network investment by 2025, citing the diminished business case due to the ruling.
New fibre networks built by large telecoms will be available to competitors after five years to allow these companies to recover their investments more quickly.