QSA's Week in Telecoms (#44, 2025)
CRTC advances radio regs, license overhaul; Budget 2025 targets telecom competition, spectrum and infrastructure; White House focuses on infrastructure security, AI investment.
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.
Want to track other GR news in adjacent industries? Don’t miss this week’s updates in ICT & Cybersecurity and Utilities & Power.
Dates: 2025-11-02 to 2025-11-08
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial Government News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal Government News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
Canadian Federal Government News
CRTC Details Ongoing Overhaul of Broadcasting Framework and Regulatory Processes
On November 7, 2025, CRTC Commissioner Stéphanie Paquette provided a comprehensive update at Les Jours de la radio conference in Quebec City, outlining recent and forthcoming regulatory changes impacting the broadcasting sector. The CRTC has taken steps to integrate online streaming companies into the regulatory ecosystem, with new rules requiring a 0.5% revenue contribution from digital audio services to the Community Radio Fund of Canada, pending a Federal Court of Appeal decision after arguments in June 2025. Since May, 24 days of public hearings have involved nearly 200 participants to inform regulatory decisions under the modernized Broadcasting Act. The CRTC has issued eight decisions this year, updated administrative requirements for radio stations, and introduced open-ended licenses with ongoing monitoring, phasing in these changes with license renewals. Highlights also included continued distribution of Google’s $100 million journalism support fund, and the launch of a Commercial Radio News Fund approved by the regulator this summer. The CRTC concluded a major hearing on audio policy in September and is moving ahead with further regulatory updates targeting market dynamics, Canadian and Indigenous content discoverability, data collection, and the distinct requirements of French-language broadcasters.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Budget 2025 Introduces Telecom Sector Competition Measures
On November 6, 2025, Minister François-Philippe Champagne, speaking in Toronto, elaborated on measures from Budget 2025 intended to expand competition in the telecommunications sector, claiming this set of reforms as the most ambitious to date. The plan aims to lower consumer costs by reducing regulatory requirements for the deployment of telecom infrastructure, releasing new spectrum, and simplifying the process of renewing or switching between internet and mobile plans. The government is also set to introduce legislation regulating fiat-backed stablecoins and intends to foster artificial intelligence adoption in the financial sector, aligning with pro-competition objectives. These initiatives are described as part of broader efforts to promote adaptability and innovation in Canada’s digital economy, with additional legislation regarding Consumer-Driven Banking and financial sector competition also tabled.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Budget 2025 Launches $5 Billion Trade Diversification Corridors Fund Including Digital Infrastructure Projects
On November 8, 2025, Secretary Wayne Long announced the launch of the $5 billion Trade Diversification Corridors Fund at Port Saint John, as provided for in Budget 2025. The program targets improved access to overseas markets and supports the modernization of port, airport, and rail infrastructure, explicitly listing digital infrastructure as eligible. The Canada Infrastructure Bank will play a role in assessing proposals and allocating government support. With an explicit goal of doubling Canada’s overseas exports over a decade, the strategy prioritizes areas of competitive advantage, including digital connectivity projects relevant to telecom supply chains and broadband expansion.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Canadian Provincial Government News
British Columbia Releases Independent Review of E-Comm 911
On November 7, 2025, B.C. published two EY reports on E-Comm 911 governance and operation, delivering 25 recommendations for the organization and proposing service delivery models for provincial emergency dispatch.
Sources: news.gov.bc.ca
British Columbia Opens Seventh Intake For Rural Internet Funding
B.C.’s Connecting Communities program opened its seventh funding intake on November 7, 2025, supporting rural and remote broadband infrastructure, with applications accepted until February 26, 2026.
Sources: news.gov.bc.ca
New Brunswick Publishes Accessibility Strategic Plan
On November 6, 2025, New Brunswick introduced its five-year accessibility strategic plan, which includes targets for improving digital access to government and information and communications services.
Sources: www2.gnb.ca
US Federal Government News
White House Pledges Investment in Digital and Communications Infrastructure
On November 4, 2025, the administration released a message on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month. The President referenced an Executive Order directing investment exceeding $400 billion in AI infrastructure, next-generation data centers, and modernized critical infrastructure, including telecommunications networks.
Sources: www.whitehouse.gov
Government Consultations
CRTC Consultation Open on Consumer Telecom Protections During Outages
The CRTC is accepting submissions on enhanced consumer protections for telecommunications service interruptions until November 13, 2025, seeking comment on requirements for outage notifications and customer compensation.
Sources: crtc.gc.ca
What We're Reading This Week
- Telus sees boost to internet customers as it builds fibre service in Ontario, Quebec: Telus reports increased internet subscriptions as fibre-optic buildout advances in central Canada.
- Telecom partnerships needed to bring better cell service to P.E.I., says innovation minister: PEI officials discuss the need for industry partnerships to expand wireless coverage.
- Netcracker Named a Leader in IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Customer Experience Platforms for Telecom: Netcracker receives IDC MarketScape recognition in the global telecom customer experience segment.
- Bell eyes U.S. fibre expansion after closing Ziply deal and boosting internet subs: Bell completes the Ziply acquisition and considers further fibre expansion in the United States.
- Paying it forward: Turning cyber risk into community impact: Community programs address cyber risk management and support for digital literacy.
- SARM midterm convention highlights cyber security and internet access: Saskatchewan stakeholders discuss rural internet access and cybersecurity strategies.
