CRTC will require telecom providers to disclose more details on service coverage

The CRTC will require telecommunication service providers (TSPs) to disclose more detailed data on broadband internet and mobile service coverage across the country. In a decision released Thursday, Jan. 15, the CRTC announced that the move will help Canadians better understand what service options are available in their region, and will help further connectivity programs. The CRTC approved a 2024 application from the British Columbia Ministry of Citizens’ Services requesting that mobile and broadband service coverage data be made public at the 250-metre road-segment level, broken down by provider, technology, and speed. The same data is currently available in broader 25-square-kilometre hexagons on Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s (ISED) National Broadband Map. The interactive map allows users to browse which internet and mobile services are available in different communities. The release of more granular data will allow users to view services available at a household level, according to the CRTC. The commission collects this data from telecom providers annually. It then shares the data with ISED in order to create the map, which is the foundation of provincial, territorial, and federal connectivity programs. The various levels of government use the map to approve project funding to help reach the 2030 goal of connecting all Canadians. However, the maps have been criticized for being outdated and inaccurate, affecting which projects get approved. In its decision, the CRTC said the release of more detailed data will “improve the delivery of programs aimed at connecting everyone in Canada, including municipalities and public safety organizations.” During the proceeding, BCE Inc.’s Bell Canada, Bragg Communications Inc.’s Eastlink, Rogers Communications Inc., Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. (SaskTel), and Xplore Inc. said that the information requested should be treated as confidential. The companies argued that disclosing such “sensitive” network information would violate section 39 of the Telecommunications Act, “which addresses the protection of information designated as confidential, such as commercially and technically sensitive information.” The CRTC however, ruled that since many providers allow customers to access detailed coverage data through their websites or customer service calls, that data is not consistently treated as confidential. The commission added that even if the information were considered confidential, it would be in the public interest to release the data “to ensure that service availability data is presented in a consistent and reliable manner across the country.” The telcos, including the Canadian Communications System Alliance, Independent Telecommunications Providers Association, and Quebecor Inc., all argued that the release of such data would harm their competitive positions and give competitors an unfair advantage by allowing them to “develop targeted investment strategies, undermining TSPs’ market positions.” However, the commission argued that releasing the data would make the information equally accessible to all TSPs, which could help small providers compete more effectively. “Increased competition creates more choice, lower prices, and brings about greater levels of innovation, to the benefit of consumers,” it said in the decision. Providers further argued that by publicizing more detailed data on network availability, it opens up infrastructure to vulnerabilities like theft and vandalism. The commission however, said there was no causal link between publicizing the data and an increased risk to critical infrastructure. Following the decision, the CRTC launched a public consultation to standardize the way mobile coverage data is reported to help “identify coverage areas more accurately and better address gaps in coverage.” The commission is not changing the methodology regarding broadband coverage reporting. The application from the B.C. ministry also requested the disclosure of complete broadband internet and mobile service provider facilities datasets, and transport data, on a confidential basis. It argued that this data was necessary “for provincial, territorial, and First Nation governments to further support connectivity planning, funding decisions, and efforts to reduce the digital divide.” The CRTC denied both of these requests, saying approval of either would “involve disclosing highly sensitive data about critical telecommunications infrastructure, which poses significant security and resiliency risks.” Unlike the first request, the commission did not find that the public interest outweighs the risks raised by intervening TSPs. The CRTC also found that by approving the first request, it was adequately serving the public interest as requested in the ministry’s application. Regarding the broadband and mobile coverage data at the 250-metre road-segment level, the CRTC said it will “continue to work with ISED to make this information available to the public,” but did not specify when the data will be published. news@thewirereport.ca

CRTC will require telecom providers to disclose more details on service coverage

Regulatory |
By Wire Report Staff
|January 16, 2026

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CRTC will require telecom providers to disclose more details on service coverage

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