CRTC shuts down B.C. startup’s attempt to offer MVNO service through Telus

Canada’s telecommunications regulator has denied an appeal from Every-Day Computers Inc., operating as Ev-Com, a B.C.-based carrier looking to access the mobile network offered by Telus Corp. Ev-Com, founded in Terrace, B.C., filed an application with the CRTC earlier this year claiming Telus was blocking the launch of its mobile service by refusing to negotiate a roaming agreement with the start-up, which it described as “unjust discrimination.” Telus insisted it was not obligated to reach a deal with Ev-Com under the commission’s mandated MVNO regime, which requires incumbent carriers to give smaller providers access to their mobile networks. According to Telus, Ev-Com had not satisfied the mandatory requirements for MVNO access. Previous CRTC decisions determined that any qualifying MVNO entity must be registered with the commission, hold spectrum licences, invest in its own home public mobile network, and actively offer wireless services to retail customers. In its application, Ev-Com argued it has obtained a mobile network code (MNC) and is ready to launch commercially, but the CRTC ruled on Tuesday that this does not qualify the B.C. company for MVNO access. “Every-Day Computers has indicated that it has a core network and an MNC, the evidence on the record of this proceeding does not demonstrate that it has deployed other RAN (radio access network) facilities, such as towers or radio antennas,” read the decision. “Regarding the requirement to be actively offering mobile wireless services commercially to retail customers, the Commission notes that Every-Day Computers has acknowledged that it does not currently offer these services to any customers. The Commission therefore finds that Every-Day Computers does not meet this requirement.” The CRTC added that the MVNO system requires carriers to build out their own networks as a regional provider before negotiating agreements with incumbents, in an effort to deter smaller providers from offering MVNO service without investing in local infrastructure. “The Commission notes that the purpose of the service is to foster the growth of regional wireless carriers, maintain their incentive to invest in and encourage the deployment of their networks, and accelerate sustainable competition,” it said. “Allowing commercial launch to occur after the conclusion of a mandated MVNO access agreement would be contrary to that objective.” BCE Inc., Rogers Communications Inc., and Quebecor Media Inc. submitted interventions siding with Telus, while the Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project backed Ev-Com’s application. dlegree@thewirereport.ca

CRTC shuts down B.C. startup’s attempt to offer MVNO service through Telus

Regulatory |
By Davis Legree
|July 7, 2026

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Regulatory | By Davis Legree |July 7, 2026

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