CRTC releases standards for wireless connectivity reporting

The CRTC is endeavouring to help consumers understand mobile connectivity and report gaps in coverage. It issued Telecom Decision 2026-258 on Friday. The commission shares its data with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), which in turn produces a National Broadband Map outlining the strength of cell phone connectivity across the nation. “Canadians will also be able to report locations where coverage maps do not reflect their experience,” the regulator said in a news release. “This feedback will help improve the accuracy of information over time and provide a clearer picture of connectivity needs across Canada.” The CRTC relied on a report from the Communications Research Centre (CRC) which proposed a new mobile coverage standard. It had 99 submissions on the topic, from individuals, telecom companies, governments, and Indigenous communities. The commission is adopting the CRC recommendations, with some amendments. There will be three levels of strength monitored to gauge signal power. At level 1, the signal would be strong enough to support emergency voice calls and to deliver public alerts. Level 2 would increase to support voice and video calls with data download speeds of 3 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload of 1 Mbps. That data speed jumps to 10/2 Mbps at level 3. Wireless service providers (WSPs) will be required to report on level 1 in the Annual Facilities Survey in 2027. Later surveys will ask for information on levels 2 and 3. The regulator is also making it easier for Canadians to compare services for internet and wireless to better meet their needs. It has eliminated extra fees on plans, improved how customers are notified about expiring contracts, and gives them more flexibility on cancelling service plans. Several telecoms noted that low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite to mobile technology is in its early stages and urged the CRTC not to require them to include it in mobile reporting. Many interest groups offered that it should be a separate reported item. The commission agreed with the firms and will not force them to report at this time. It promised to monitor the situation and come up with concrete standards in the future. “Better information leads to better decisions,” CRTC chair Vicky Eatrides said in the release. “By improving how cellphone coverage is reported and giving Canadians a way to flag gaps, we can build a clearer picture of connectivity across the country and help support better investment where it is needed.” The regulator will keep an eye on the effectiveness of the new standards in light of changes to predictive modelling, in introduction of technologies like 6G, and the phasing out of legacy networks. ppark@thewirereport.ca

CRTC releases standards for wireless connectivity reporting

Regulatory |
By Paul Park
|October 2, 2026

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CRTC releases standards for wireless connectivity reporting

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