Bell Canada on Monday launched a new multimedia campaign, “Build. Connect. Grow Canada”, calling on the CRTC and new federal government to implement what it calls “smart policies” to unlock billions in private sector investments to build critical fibre infrastructure.
Bell said in a Monday press release 7.8 million homes and businesses across Bell’s footprint currently have access to its pure-fibre network, but the CRTC’s recent decision to uphold the Big Three telecom providers’ access to the aggregated last-mile fibre facilities of Bell and Telus on a wholesale basis has led Bell to reconsider its planned fibre investments, saying the decision “undermines the business case for further investment in new network builds.”
“Since 2020, Bell has invested almost $23 billion to expand its pure fibre network,” Bell’s press release reads. “As a result of the CRTC policy, Bell has revised its fibre build target down by 1.5 million locations and cut capital expenditures by $500 million this year alone.”
Less private investment in fibre infrastructure means fewer jobs along Bell’s supply chain, diminished network resilience and fewer Canadians being able to access high-speed internet connectivity, particularly in rural, remote and indigenous communities, Bell said.
The telecom is calling for the reversal of the CRTC’s policy, saying that “will eliminate regulatory uncertainty and unlock billions worth of nation-building investments” critical to the transformation and protection of Canada’s economy.
“For 145 years, Bell has helped build, connect and grow Canada,” said Robert Malcolmson, executive vice president and chief legal and regulatory officer of Bell, in the press release. “We are more than just a communications company, we are builders of Canada’s critical infrastructure — a crucial foundation for economic growth and national security. As Canada faces threats to its economy and sovereignty, it is more important than ever to encourage investment from strong Canadian companies like Bell that want to build, connect and grow Canada.
“We are calling on the CRTC and federal government to implement smart policies that will unlock billions in private sector investment that keeps Canada’s networks strong while powering, transforming, and growing our economy,” Malcolmson said.
Image courtesy of Bell
