Reactions, reversals: As smaller providers scale back plans, Bell ups investment commitments in wake of TPIA decision

By Ahmad Hathout GATINEAU - Like deja vu, the immediate impact of a major decision by the CRTC has unfurled in the days immediately following -- but the reactions are the reverse of what happened in August 2019. When the CRTC that summer decided to slash the bulk internet rates smaller providers pay for large network access - and make the rates retroactive so some serious back pay was supposed to go to those independents - the large telecoms announced cuts to investments, including in rural areas. Smaller providers, rejoicing, immediately slashed retail internet prices. Following Thursday’s decision to go...