CRTC finalizes rates companies pay to access big fibre networks

A sign for the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), is shown in Gatineau, Que., on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

OTTAWA — The CRTC has finalized the rates companies will pay to access the fibre networks of Canada’s largest telecommunications firms as part of its move to increase competition.

The federal regulator says the rates were calculated using its long-standing approach, which carefully considers the costs to build networks.

Last year, the CRTC began allowing smaller companies to use the largest telephone companies’ fibre networks to sell a range of services, including home internet, television and telephone access.

The CRTC says the final rates are similar to earlier interim rates.

CRTC chair and chief executive Vicky Eatrides says the decision finalizes the regulator’s approach to increasing competition.

Eatrides says the rates are based on real costs, and enable companies to compete for customers while maintaining incentives to build high-quality networks.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 24, 2026.