Canadian internet providers circumvent CRTC protection: Difference between revisions

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

| Logo =Fibreoptic.jpg

}}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>

Internet access prices are mainly reflected by the speed, measured in megabits per second (Mbps), and the maximum data usage per month.

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>

==Consumer Impact==

The CRTC and contract laws have a loophole that allow for "inflation" based increases with 30 to 60 days notice. These increases occur on the base price of the service. They're not allowed to touch discounts for a term period, which is often 2 years. Lower prices are used to attract new clients. An example would be $50 per month for fiber with lifetime discount or lifetime price.  

Videotron issues increases frequently also regardless of what your price starts at. These are the sweeping emailed internet increases in recent years:{{CitationNeeded}}

*December 4, 2024 - 2$ - Notice by email 60 days prior

*March 1, 2021 - 3$ - Notice by email 60 days prior

Other times, the increase notice is listed at the bottom of the bill sent to the consumer.  

Bell issues frequent increases of 5 to 6$ also regardless of what price you're currently paying. Recent sign-ups start around 50$ for over 1Gbit fiber services. Their door to door vendors or instore vendors will often say the price is good for 2 years, which is a misrepresentation.{{Citation needed}}

*March 1st 2024 - 5$

Prices are often regionally adjusted to target areas they want to increase signups in which makes valuation of the product difficult. What's Gbit internet worth globally?

https://www.buddytelco.com.au/?utm_source=whistleout&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=residential_nbn600d41u&utm_content=byo&gad_source=7&dclid=COypr5C-oo0DFYSzpgQdu903HQ (Australia fiber networks are also heavily subsidized by the government)

Long-term clients often pay more than the current list price or the prices offered to new customers unless they regularly monitor and adjust their plans.

[[File:Screenshot 20250511 102009 Instagram.jpg|thumb|Ad highlighting a price comparing a product with 6 times less bandwidth, offered at 55$ per month. However, looking on their site shows Fiber 500 is listed at 110$ per month.]]

[[File:Screenshot 2025-05-13 132638.png|thumb|Current base prices of internet to compare with ad offered to a customer based on location and Ip.]]

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>