TekSavvy, a leading independent internet provider, has voiced its discontent with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) recently unveiled interim wholesale fibre rates. The company asserts that these rates fall short of addressing the urgent need for affordability in Canada’s internet market.
In a statement released Tuesday, TekSavvy’s Vice President of Insight & Engagement, Peter Nowak, expressed the company’s disappointment. TekSavvy had long awaited wholesale rates that would empower them to offer Canadians, who currently grapple with some of the world’s highest broadband costs, genuinely affordable internet service options.
TekSavvy contends that the new rates remain significantly higher than the retail prices offered by major telecom giants, stifling competition and preventing smaller providers like themselves from delivering truly budget-friendly services to Canadians.
“These rates don’t reflect the realities of the market and won’t enable real competition,” TekSavvy emphasized, recalling their earlier pleas for fair rates during a CRTC hearing earlier this year.
A comparison of the interim rates set by Telus, Bell, and SaskTel reveals surprisingly high figures, prompting questions about the CRTC’s rationale. TekSavvy fears these prices will perpetuate the elusive dream of affordable internet access for Canadians.
The company firmly believes these elevated rates will not stimulate meaningful competition within the market and hopes the CRTC will soon release final fibre rates that are considerably lower than the current interim figures.
TekSavvy’s sentiments echo those of Quebecor’s Freedom Mobile, which recently announced it would not be launching internet services on networks from Telus and Bell due to the unfavourable wholesale rates.
Interview: Understanding the Discontent with CRTC’s New Fibre Rates – An Insight from Peter Nowak, VP of TekSavvy
Time.news Editor: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Peter Nowak, Vice President of Insight & Engagement at TekSavvy, a leading independent internet provider. Peter, thank you for joining us to discuss TekSavvy’s reaction to the recent interim wholesale fibre rates announced by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
Q: Can you share your initial thoughts on the newly unveiled interim wholesale fibre rates?
Peter Nowak: Thank you for having me. Our initial response is one of disappointment. The rates announced by the CRTC fail to address the urgent need for greater affordability in Canada’s internet market. We’ve waited for these rates to help provide Canadians with genuinely affordable internet services, but the current figures continue to fall significantly short.
Q: How do these new rates affect competition in the Canadian internet market?
Peter Nowak: The rates set by major telecom giants like Telus, Bell, and SaskTel are surprisingly high, which stifles true competition. For smaller providers like TekSavvy, these elevated rates hinder our ability to offer budget-friendly options. If the rates don’t reflect the realities of the market, we will struggle to compete effectively, and consumers will ultimately suffer from lack of choices and affordability.
Q: You mentioned that these rates don’t reflect market realities. What specific aspects of the market do you think the CRTC is overlooking?
Peter Nowak: Absolutely. The Canadian broadband market is already known for having some of the highest costs in the world. The CRTC seems to be missing the critical need for affordable access to internet services. By setting wholesale rates that remain above retail prices offered by the major providers, they’re creating a barrier that makes it difficult for independents to thrive and offer competitive pricing.
Q: TekSavvy has been vocal about advocating for fair rates. Can you share any past encounters with the CRTC regarding this issue?
Peter Nowak: Certainly. During our participation in earlier CRTC hearings this year, we made clear our call for fair and reasonable rates. We highlighted how essential it is for these rates to be supportive of real competition. Unfortunately, the interim rates we’ve received do not reflect the message we conveyed, which is disheartening.
Q: Beyond TekSavvy, are there other providers expressing similar concerns about these wholesale rates?
Peter Nowak: Yes, TekSavvy’s sentiments are echoed by other independents, such as Quebecor’s Freedom Mobile. They recently announced that they would not pursue internet services on networks owned by Telus and Bell due to the unfavorable conditions set by these wholesale rates. This further underscores the growing frustration among smaller providers trying to navigate an already challenging market.
Q: Looking ahead, what steps can consumers take if they are concerned about internet pricing?
Peter Nowak: Consumers should continue to voice their concerns about internet pricing to both their service providers and regulatory bodies like the CRTC. It’s vital for the public to advocate for fair prices and increased choices in the market. Additionally, staying informed about policy developments can help consumers make better decisions and push for the competitive landscape that Canada deserves.
Q: what is TekSavvy’s hope moving forward regarding the final fibre rates?
Peter Nowak: Our hope is that the CRTC will recognize the realities we’ve highlighted and ultimately release final fibre rates that are considerably lower than the interim figures. We need rates that foster healthy competition, enabling all Canadians to access affordable internet options that they are currently lacking.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Peter, for your insights on this crucial topic. It’s clear that the conversation around internet affordability in Canada is more important than ever.
Interview: Understanding the Discontent with CRTC’s New Fibre Rates – An Insight from Peter Nowak, VP of TekSavvy
Time.news Editor: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Peter Nowak, Vice President of Insight & Engagement at TekSavvy, a leading independent internet provider. Peter, thank you for joining us to discuss TekSavvy’s reaction to the recent interim wholesale fibre rates announced by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
Peter Nowak: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. Can you share your initial thoughts on the newly unveiled interim wholesale fibre rates?
Peter Nowak: Our initial response is one of disappointment. The rates announced by the CRTC fail to address the urgent need for greater affordability in Canada’s internet market. We’ve waited for these rates to help provide Canadians with genuinely affordable internet services, but the current figures continue to fall significantly short.
Editor: How do these new rates affect competition in the Canadian internet market?
Peter Nowak: The rates set by major telecom giants like Telus, Bell, and SaskTel are surprisingly high, which stifles true competition. For smaller providers like TekSavvy, these elevated rates hinder our ability to offer budget-friendly options. If the rates don’t reflect the realities of the market, we will struggle to compete effectively, and consumers will ultimately suffer from a lack of choices and affordability.
Editor: You mentioned that these rates don’t reflect market realities. What specific aspects of the market do you think the CRTC is overlooking?
Peter Nowak: Absolutely. The Canadian broadband market is already known for having some of the highest costs in the world. The CRTC seems to be missing the critical need for affordable access to internet services. By setting wholesale rates that remain above the retail prices offered by the major providers, they’re creating a barrier that makes it difficult for independents to thrive and offer competitive pricing.
Editor: TekSavvy has been vocal about advocating for fair rates. Can you share any past encounters with the CRTC regarding this issue?
Peter Nowak: Certainly. During our participation in earlier CRTC hearings this year, we made clear our call for fair and reasonable rates. We highlighted how essential it is for these rates to support real competition. Unfortunately, the interim rates we’ve received do not reflect the message we conveyed, which is disheartening.
Editor: Beyond TekSavvy, are there other providers expressing similar concerns about these wholesale rates?
Peter Nowak: Yes, TekSavvy’s sentiments are echoed by other independents, such as Quebecor’s Freedom Mobile. They recently announced that they would not pursue internet services on networks owned by Telus and Bell due to the unfavorable conditions set by these wholesale rates. This further underscores the growing frustration among smaller providers trying to navigate an already challenging market.
Editor: It sounds like there is a serious systemic issue at play here. What steps do you believe the CRTC should take to rectify this and encourage fair competition?
Peter Nowak: The CRTC needs to thoroughly reassess the market dynamics. They should be looking into adjusting the wholesale rates to align with the realities of retail pricing, particularly for consumers who are already facing some of the highest costs in the world. Responding to the needs of smaller providers like TekSavvy is crucial for fostering a competitive landscape where consumers can genuinely benefit from choice and affordability.
Editor: Thank you, Peter. Your insights shed light on a significant issue that affects many Canadians. Any final thoughts as we conclude our conversation?
Peter Nowak: Just that affordable internet access is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. We hope the CRTC recognizes this and takes proactive steps to ensure that all Canadians have access to quality internet at reasonable prices. Thank you for having me!
Editor: Thank you for your time, Peter. We appreciate your perspective and look forward to seeing how this situation unfolds.