Canada Launches First Telecom Competition Roadmap to Boost Consumer Choice and Lower Prices
On October 28, 2026, the Government of Canada introduced its first Telecom Competition Roadmap, outlining actions to increase consumer choice, improve prices, and expand high-quality network coverage across the country.
On October 28, 2026, the Government of Canada launched its first Telecom Competition Roadmap, a strategy aimed at enhancing competition and consumer choice in the internet and mobile services sectors. Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly announced the initiative, stating that it is designed to break down regional barriers and contribute to one Canadian economy.
The roadmap outlines three main categories of action: providing more choices for consumers, securing better prices, and ensuring high-quality networks. To increase choices, the government will make it easier for competitors to access and expand existing networks. To improve prices, plans include spotlighting competitive offers, simplifying switching between providers, and eliminating unnecessary fees. To ensure high-quality networks, the government will support fibre-optic deployment, new technology experiments, and connectivity in northern, rural, and Indigenous communities.
Progress under the roadmap will be monitored using indicators including prices, switching behaviour, network speeds, coverage, and consumer complaints. The announcement highlighted recent shifts in the market, noting that wireless prices are down 49% compared to 2019. Additionally, a 60 gigabyte data plan that cost $105 in 2022 can now be purchased for $40 to $50.
The roadmap builds on previous regulatory actions. In August 2025, the government required large players to give competitors access to their fibre networks. In spring 2026, new pro-consumer rules were adopted to facilitate switching between plans and providers.
Future actions outlined in the roadmap include a "dig once" policy for nation-building projects and spectrum frequency rules intended to enhance wireless services.