CRTC issues wholesale mobile roaming decisions: opts to regulate Rogers, Bell and Telus

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has issued its final decisions on wholesale wireless roaming, following a lengthy consultation period. With the regulator having found that, under current market conditions, competition in the wireless market is ‘likely not sustainable’, it will therefore regulate the wholesale roaming rates charged by the national cellular network operating companies, Rogers Communications, Bell Mobility and Telus Communications. In light of these measures, the CRTC is recommending that the government repeal the legislated roaming caps that remain in place. The CRTC adds that is taking action to reduce certain barriers faced by mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). In a related decision, the regulator stated that its existing processes are sufficient to address tower- and site-sharing issues related to the rates, terms, and conditions of wholesale agreements.