Telecoms

QSA's Week in Telecoms (#19, 2025)

CRTC opens consultation on public engagement; Competition Bureau details digital priorities; NFB comments on Canadian content in CRTC hearings; CRTC posts latest broadcast decisions; Broadcast licence renewals open for comment.

Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning cellphone and wireless carriers, ISPs, satellite communications, broadband access, 5G, remote communities, and CRTC spectrum licences. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-05-11
End Date: 2025-05-19

Top Headlines

Main Stories

CRTC Launches Consultation to Boost Public Interest Participation

On May 12, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced a new public consultation designed to broaden access to its proceedings. The effort targets stakeholders representing the public interest, with new funding mechanisms aimed at making participation more accessible and predictable. The consultation is open to submissions until September 9, 2025. These changes follow recent internal reforms, such as the creation of an Indigenous Relations Team.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau’s 2025-2026 Annual Plan Focuses on Digital Competition

The Competition Bureau published its annual plan for 2025-2026 on May 15, outlining a strategic emphasis on core issues in the digital marketplace. Legislative changes to the Competition Act have equipped the Bureau with enhanced tools to address anti-competitive conduct in sectors most relevant to Canadians, especially technology and communications. In the coming year, the Bureau intends to use all enforcement options to detect and address market misconduct, build international relationships, and bolster internal expertise to keep pace with evolving technologies. The agency will also expand its outreach to business and consumer audiences.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

NFB Calls for Cultural Criteria in CRTC Canadian Content Definition Hearings

At CRTC’s ongoing hearings in Ottawa, National Film Board (NFB) Chair Suzanne Guèvremont argued that Canadian programming should be defined with explicit inclusion of cultural elements. Her presentation, delivered on May 16, cited international approaches where public funding for audiovisual works depends on cultural tests. The NFB pointed to documentary film’s importance, comparing it to news media as nationally significant programming. Hearings continue through May 27, with participation available via CRTC’s website and broadcast channels.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CRTC Broadcasts Latest Decisions and Notices Online

In its May 17 release in the Canada Gazette, Part I, the CRTC reiterated that regulatory decisions, consultation notices, and orders are posted on its website as they come into effect. Original documents and details related to specific proceedings are accessible under 'Public proceedings & hearings.' The commission’s official records, including abridged versions, are available for review at the CRTC office.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Applications and Hearings for Broadcast Licences Announced by CRTC

The Canada Gazette, Part I, dated May 17, lists recent broadcasting applications posted by the CRTC, including renewal and amendments for stations in Quebec. Intervention and comment deadlines are set for June 9, 2025. Additionally, a notice of consultation (2025-92) was posted for the National Capital Region, with July 10, 2025, as the deadline for public submissions.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

On May 14, MP Ryan Williams posted on X, calling for more competition in the telecom market and criticizing current market concentration.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Dan Albas used X on May 13 to discuss the aftermath of the Rogers and Shaw merger, focusing on wireless pricing and ministerial oversight.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Tony Loffreda, on May 12, referenced the National Cyber Security Strategy and raised concerns about RCMP cybercrime resources during a National Finance Committee meeting.