News Summary

Bell Canada has announced a significant reduction in its fibre network expansion plans following a decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) that allows incumbent telecommunications companies to resell each other’s fibre networks. Bell CEO Mirko Bibic expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, stating that it compels Bell to build infrastructure that benefits competitors like Telus. Consequently, Bell will not meet its prior goal of extending fibre to 8.3 million additional homes by 2025 and will reduce capital expenditures this year. The CRTC’s decision supports the resale framework for fibre networks, initially designed to boost competition by enabling smaller internet service providers to access incumbent networks. Despite this, the ruling has sparked concerns about its potential to stifle competition, as it permits major telecom players to resell services at regulated rates. The framework currently applies to Ontario and Quebec, with plans to expand to other regions soon.