Competitive Network Operators of Canada in the Industry

Canada has a thriving industry of competitive network operators, providing Canadians with a range of choices for their internet and phone services.

Bell Aliant is one of the largest competitive network operators in Canada, serving over 1.1 million customers in the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

Telus and Rogers Communications are also major players in the industry, offering a variety of services to customers across the country.

These companies have invested heavily in their networks, with Telus boasting over 8.8 million mobile subscribers and Rogers Communications having over 10.3 million wireless customers.

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Bell Canada is one of the largest telecommunications companies in Canada, serving over 20 million customers.

Its extensive network infrastructure includes over 14 million broadband connections and 10.5 million mobile subscribers.

Telus is another major player in the Canadian telecommunications market, with a significant presence in Western Canada.

The company operates a network that spans over 30 million kilometers of fiber-optic cables.

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Rogers Communications, a leading Canadian media and telecommunications company, has a large customer base across the country.

Its network supports over 10 million mobile subscribers and 3.5 million broadband connections.

Shaw Communications, a Canadian telecommunications company, offers a range of services including internet, TV, and phone.

The company has a significant presence in Western Canada, with a large customer base in provinces such as Alberta and British Columbia.

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Canada has a diverse range of mobile network operators, with some offering nationwide coverage and others serving specific regions.

Bell Mobility is one of the largest operators, with 11.1 million subscribers and nationwide coverage as of Q2 2024. Rogers Wireless is another major player, with 12.5 million subscribers and nationwide coverage. Telus Mobility also has a significant presence, with 10.1 million subscribers and nationwide coverage.

Here's a breakdown of some of the major mobile network operators in Canada:

The smaller operators, such as Eastlink Wireless and Iristel, serve specific regions and have a smaller subscriber base.

Mobile Network operators are the backbone of our wireless world, providing coverage to millions of Canadians. Bell Mobility has the largest subscriber base with 11.1 million subscribers as of Q2 2024.

Rogers Wireless is a close second with 12.5 million subscribers, also covering the entire country. The two giants account for about 82% of wireless revenue in Canada.

Some smaller players like Eastlink Wireless and Iristel offer coverage in specific regions, such as the Maritimes and the territories. Eastlink Wireless has a subscriber base of 0.075 million as of Q4 2015.

Telus Mobility and Vidéotron Mobility are other notable players, covering the entire country and parts of Quebec and Ontario respectively. Telus Mobility has 10.1 million subscribers as of Q2 2024.

Here's a list of mobile network operators in Canada, along with their coverage areas and subscriber bases:

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are a type of network operator that don't own their own network infrastructure. They instead lease network capacity from larger carriers like Rogers and Telus.

In Canada, some popular MVNOs include Cogeco Mobile, which uses Telus Mobility's network, and Execulink Mobility, which uses Bell Mobility's network. These MVNOs often offer competitive pricing and plans that can be a great option for consumers.

Here are some examples of MVNOs in Canada:

MVNOs like Fongo Wireless and Good2Go Mobility also use Rogers Wireless' network, offering data-only plans and reseller services. These options can be a great choice for consumers who want to save money or have specific needs.

It's worth noting that MVNOs often have limitations compared to traditional carriers, such as limited coverage or data caps. However, they can be a great option for those who need a simple, affordable plan.

Push-to-Talk Networks are a type of wireless communication service that allows users to quickly switch between voice and data communication.

They are commonly used in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics where workers need to communicate in real-time.

These networks operate on a variety of frequencies including 800 MHz, 900 MHz, and 4G LTE.

They are also known as PoC or Push-to-Talk over Cellular networks.

In the US, the largest Push-to-Talk network operator is AT&T, which provides its services to over 1 million subscribers.

Push-to-Talk networks are designed to provide low-latency and high-quality voice communication, making them ideal for mission-critical applications.

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Opérateurs de Réseaux Concurrentiels Canadiens, also known as Competitive Network Operators of Canada, has been used as a name since August 20, 2020. This name was used until September 17, 2024.

The name change occurred before the company was known as Canadian Network Operators Consortium Inc., which was used from December 12, 2011, to August 20, 2020.

Competitive Network Operators of Canada (CNOC) is actively involved in shaping the regulatory and legislative landscape of the telecommunications industry in Canada.

CNOC is advocating for policy, regulatory, and/or legislative changes to address broadcasting over the Internet, which may lead to proposals for changes to the Broadcasting Act.

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The Telecommunications Act plays a crucial role in regulating wholesale services provided by telephone and cable companies to Internet service providers and other telecommunications service providers.

CNOC is seeking for Cabinet to review the May CRTC decision, which reverted to 2016's higher Internet wholesale rates. The organization is advocating for the government to review the Internet wholesale rates to ensure they are affordable for independent Internet Service Providers and encourage competition in the industry.

Here are some key regulatory and legislative issues that CNOC is addressing:

In the regulatory and legislative sphere, policies and programs play a crucial role in shaping the industry landscape. The Canadian Network Operators Consortium (CNOC) is advocating for a review of the Internet wholesale rates, which were reverted to higher rates in May by the CRTC.

The CNOC wants the Cabinet to reassess these rates, ensuring they remain affordable for independent Internet Service Providers. This move aims to promote competition in the industry.

CNOC is pushing for a Cabinet review of the May CRTC decision, which reinstated the 2016 higher Internet wholesale rates.

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Legislative Documents play a crucial role in shaping the regulatory landscape. The Broadcasting Act is relevant in this context, particularly when it comes to broadcasting over the Internet.

The Broadcasting Act may lead to proposals for policy, regulatory and/or legislative changes. This is a critical area of focus for policymakers and industry stakeholders.

The Telecommunications Act is another key legislative document. It specifically addresses the regulation of wholesale services provided by telephone and cable companies to Internet service providers and other telecommunications service providers.

The 2006 Government of Canada Telecom Policy Direction to the CRTC under the Telecommunications Act is also worth noting. This direction has specific attention on sections 1a, 1b, and 1c (inclusive) of this Direction, as published in the Canada Gazette, Vol. 140, No. 26 (December 27, 2006).

Here are some key legislative documents to consider:

The CRTC has taken a significant step to boost competition in the telecommunications industry by expanding fibre access. This move is in line with the 2006 Government of Canada Telecom Policy Direction, which aims to promote competition and innovation in the sector.

The CRTC's decision will have a direct impact on the wholesale services provided by telephone and cable companies to Internet service providers and other telecommunications service providers, as outlined in the Telecommunications Act. This will ensure that these services are regulated in a way that promotes competition and affordability.

CNOC, a coalition of independent Internet Service Providers, has been advocating for the government to review Internet wholesale rates and ensure they are affordable for their members. They are seeking for Cabinet to review the May CRTC decision, which reverted to 2016's higher Internet wholesale rates, and are advocating for a review of the rates to encourage competition in the industry.

The Broadcasting Act also comes into play here, as it relates to broadcasting over the Internet and may lead to proposals for policy, regulatory, and/or legislative changes. This is an area of ongoing development, and it will be interesting to see how the CRTC's decision on fibre access impacts the broadcasting landscape.

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Amp'd Mobile was launched on March 14, 2007, but discontinued just five months later on August 1, 2007.

Clearnet started as a second incarnation as an MVNO on April 5, 2011, but was discontinued as of June 2, 2012.

MiKE, launched in 1996, was shutdown on January 29, 2016, after being acquired by Telus in 2000.

Shaw Mobile was discontinued as of December 21, 2023, and Freedom Mobile's network was merged with Videotron.

Solo Mobile was discontinued for new customers, but still active for current ones.

Here's a list of former and current MVNOs in Canada: