Canadian internet providers circumvent CRTC protection: Difference between revisions

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{{InfoboxProductLine

| Title = Fiber internet

| Release Year =1989

| Product Type =Fiber optic network

| In Production =Yes, still being expanded across Canada today via government grants

| Official Website =https://www.risq.quebec/  

}}Internet access is a monthly subscription to access a physical infrastructure. Modern internet connections use cable such a COAX or fiber optics to deliver TV and internet to homes across Canada. Once the cables are in place and the installation is complete, customer interactions or maintenance outside of accidents and the degradation of cables over time is typically not needed. The average life span of a fiber-optic cable ranges from 20 to 40 years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yaméogo |first=Banti Laure Mathilde |last2=Charlton |first2=Douglas W. |last3=Doucet |first3=David |last4=Desrosiers |first4=Christian |last5=O’Sullivan |first5=Maurice |last6=Tremblay |first6=Christine |date=25 Jan 2021 |title=Detecting Performance Degradation in Fiber-Optic Cables |url=https://www.etsmtl.ca/en/news/detecting-performance-degradation-fiber-optic-cables |url-status=live |access-date=14 May 2025 |website=www.etsmtl.ca}}</ref>

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission ([https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/home-accueil.htm CRTC]) is a protection agency in Canada to protect Canadians from abuse by larger telecom companies. They do not regulate prices internet service providers are charging the end users, with the exception of prohibiting differential pricing (i.e., when a company offers different prices for the same level of service). They do, however, regulate the rates telecom companies charge their competitors to utilize their fiber networks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-17 |title=Internet - Our Role |url=https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/internet/role.htm |access-date=2025-08-14 |website=Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission}}</ref>

The CRTC and contract laws had a loop hole that allowed for "inflation" based increases within 30 to 60 days notice. These increases occur on the base price of the service. They're not allowed to alter discounts for a term period, often for two years. Lower prices are used to attract new clients, e.g., 50$ fiber with lifetime discount or lifetime price.  

Market Control - Competition is limited large providers expand their networks with help from government grants.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 Jul 2023 |title=Governments of Canada and Ontario investing over $22 million to bring high-speed internet access to more than 1,400 homes in 10 communities in Ontario |url=https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1003326/governments-of-canada-and-ontario-investing-over-22-million-to-bring-high-speed-internet-access-to-more-than-1400-homes-in-10-communities-in-ontario |url-status=live |access-date=14 May 2025 |website=Ontario Newsroom}}</ref>  

Home internet prices are going up 6$ starting May 1st, 2025, a second increase this year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lamont |first=Jonathan |date=30 Apr 2025 |title=Reminder: Your Bell internet bill is about to go up |url=https://mobilesyrup.com/2025/04/30/reminder-your-bell-internet-bill-is-about-to-go-up/ |url-status=live |access-date=14 May 2025 |website=MobileSyrup}}</ref>

CRTC invests 750 million for providers to offer speeds of 50mpbs to 8% of Canadians.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kupfer |first=Matthew |date=21 Dec 2016 |title=CRTC declares broadband internet access a basic service |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/crtc-internet-essential-service-1.3906664 |url-status=live |access-date=14 May 2025 |website=CBC}}</ref>