Saskatchewan could see more mobile wireless competition following CRTC ruling
Global News
Large wireless providers such as SaskTel have been ordered by the CRTC to negotiate with smaller cellphone companies to support access to their respective cellular networks.
An announcement made earlier this week by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) looks to create more competition and choice for Saskatchewan wireless customers in the future.
The CRTC shared on Wednesday that it is implementing measures to increase competition in new areas while regional wireless providers build out their networks.
This means that companies including Bell Mobility, Rogers Communications, Telus and SaskTel will need to negotiate with small mobile virtual network operators (MNVOs) to support access to their respective cellular networks to regional wireless carriers.
Effective immediately, these large wireless providers must begin accepting requests for access to their networks.
According to the CRTC, an MVNO is a company that uses networks of another Canadian wireless service provider to offer competitive services and greater choice to more Canadians.
“We are one step closer to implementing our policy that will enable regional providers to offer wireless services in areas where competition is limited. This will help provide more affordable options to millions of Canadians while increasing competition,” stated Ian Scott, CRTC chairperson and chief executive officer.
“We expect the large providers to negotiate in good faith and come to an agreement as quickly as possible with regional wireless providers.”
The CRTC says wholesale rates must be negotiated between the providers.