Ottawa to promote cheap wireless plans under Telecommunications Competition Roadmap

The federal government is promising to publicize affordable wireless plans as part of a new initiative to improve competition in Canada’s telecommunications sector. The Telecommunications Competition Roadmap, released on Wednesday, outlines a series of existing and new policy measures aimed at bringing down prices in the cell phone and internet markets. In particular, Ottawa identified a lack of awareness of lower-cost wireless plans as an issue facing consumers across the country. “Recent years have seen competitors expand into new markets and telecom companies across the country have lowered their prices as a result of improved competition,” read the roadmap. “However, many Canadians are still on older plans that no longer reflect the best offers available in the market.” “Building on regulatory changes to facilitate switching, the Government will promote high value plans in the market. These efforts will focus on highlighting the lowest cost and best value plans available, in order to help consumers take advantage of the latest offers and reduce the cost of living.” It’s unclear exactly how the federal government plans to promote specific wireless plans. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly’s office did not immediately respond to The Wire Report’s request for comment. The roadmap was promised in the Liberal government’s spring economic update earlier this year, though details of the plan had been shrouded in mystery. The release touted government support for CRTC decisions allowing wholesale access for wireline and mobile networks, ongoing consultations to update the country’s cell tower siting framework, and future CRTC proceedings on harmonizing consumer protection codes and improving awareness of Canada’s telecoms ombudsman. Meanwhile, the Liberals promised to implement a ‘dig once’ policy that would ensure fibre optic cables and other telecom buildouts are placed alongside major infrastructure projects, like transmission lines, railways, and pipelines. Additionally, the roadmap emphasized the importance of “accelerating CRTC decision-making” and suggested legislative amendments or revised policy directions could be brought forward to expedite the regulator’s work. The feds also encouraged the commission to prioritize wholesale access disputes in an effort to prevent incumbent carriers from exploiting the regulatory system to avoid responsibilities under the wholesale regime. “As the global economy rapidly evolves, Canadians are increasingly relying on telecommunications services in their everyday lives,” read a statement from Joly (Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Que.). “By improving competition, empowering consumers and supporting the expansion of networks and services, this roadmap truly puts Canadians first, through actions that will improve choice, transparency, prices and networks.” “The government is taking action to build one strong Canadian economy where all Canadians can participate fully.” Ottawa is also exploring amendments to the Telecommunications Act that could limit a stakeholders' ability to challenge a CRTC decision via petitions to cabinet, which the federal government said are “time-consuming, lead to delay, and cause regulatory uncertainty.” “The Government will consider ways to streamline these processes to expedite decisions and reduce delays in implementing regulations designed to bring more competition and better affordability to consumers,” read the policy. The roadmap also teased future releases of additional 5G spectrum, as well as a five-year consultation on the national spectrum framework, set to be launched in 2027. The announcement made no reference to a “sovereign broadband backbone,” which Prime Minister Mark Carney (Nepean, Ont.) teased at the recent Canada Investment Summit, though the Liberals are pledging support for “new types of telecom infrastructure models.” “Telecom companies around the world are restructuring to meet the demands of a fast-paced world,” read the roadmap. “At the same time, the importance of their networks for the global economy has never been more apparent.” “In order to strengthen the resiliency and sovereignty of Canada's networks, the Government will continue to support new types of proposals that would significantly enhance investments in our national telecom network infrastructure. This could include joint ventures by telecom companies or third-party infrastructure models that improve access for competitors.” The feds said they would assess the roadmap’s impact on competition, choice, and investment within the industry by monitoring wireless prices, customer behaviour, network speeds, cellular coverage, and complaint frequency. dlegree@thewirereport.ca

Ottawa to promote cheap wireless plans under Telecommunications Competition Roadmap

Regulatory |
By Davis Legree
|October 29, 2026

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