News Summary

Eastlink, a Nova Scotia-based telecom company, has expressed deep disappointment with the federal government’s decision to allow major telecom companies to use the networks of smaller regional providers. The ruling by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), which was upheld by Ottawa, aims to increase competition by forcing companies like Bell, SaskTel, and Telus to share their fibre networks with competitors. However, Eastlink’s Executive Vice Chair, Lee Bragg, argues that this decision undermines competition and discourages investment. As a result, Eastlink plans to pause network upgrades in smaller communities and has urged residents to voice their concerns to local MPs. The Canadian Telecommunications Association echoed Eastlink’s concerns, stating that the ruling harms Canadian consumers by weakening competition.