Bell Canada has unveiled a bold initiative, “Build. Connect. Grow Canada.,” aiming to rally support for new regulatory policies crucial to Canada’s economic future. The national multimedia campaign, spearheaded by Bell, urges the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the federal government to implement strategic measures to catalyze private sector investments in fiber network expansion.
Currently, Bell’s pure fiber network covers 7.8 million homes and businesses across Canada, representing a substantial investment of nearly USD 23 billion since 2020. These networks are pivotal in supporting economic growth, job creation, and enhanced connectivity nationwide.
However, Bell has raised concerns over recent CRTC decisions permitting large telecom players like TELUS and Rogers to resell each other’s fiber networks.
According to Bell, this policy undermines incentives for new network builds, jeopardizing billions in potential investments aimed at expanding high-speed internet access across Canada.
A recent survey of 4,000 Canadians underscores public sentiment, with 79% expressing concerns that allowing network resales between major players will not foster competitive pricing but will hinder broader infrastructure investments.
In response to regulatory uncertainties, Bell has revised its fiber build targets downward by 1.5 million locations and slashed capital expenditures (CapEx) by USD 500 million for the current fiscal year alone. This reduction in private investment not only impacts job opportunities within Bell’s supply chain but also threatens to limit network resilience and broadband accessibility, particularly in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.
Robert Malcolmson, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer at Bell, emphasized the campaign’s urgency, stating:
“For 145 years, Bell has helped build, connect, and grow Canada. We are more than just a communications company; we are builders of Canada’s critical infrastructure, a crucial foundation for economic growth and national security.”
Malcolmson mentioned that, as Canada faces threats to its economy and sovereignty, it is more important than ever to encourage investment from strong Canadian companies like Bell that want to build, connect, and grow Canada.
“We are calling on the CRTC and federal government to implement smart policies that will unlock billions in private sector investment that keeps Canada’s networks strong while powering, transforming, and growing our economy,” he emphasized.
Related:
Protecting Canada’s Internet: CNOC’s Campaign for Fair Access
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