It may seem like a small move from the CRTC, but it could have a big impact. The Canadian regulator has just approved a new 8 Gbps fiber-optic tier on Bell’s network, paving the way for a new generation of ultra-fast Internet plans that could come at reasonable prices.
A new era for fiber in Canada
In practice, this decision sets the wholesale rate that independent providers must pay to access Bell’s fiber network. In theory, it will allow them to offer their own 8 Gbps plans at lower prices than major players like Rogers, Telus, or even Bell itself.
Until now, ultra-high-speed connections of several gigabits were out of reach for most consumers due to high costs. But with this market opening, multi-gigabit plans could finally become accessible to the general public, especially in urban and suburban areas.
Plans under $100?
Industry analysts believe this decision could eventually push the price of 8 Gbps Internet below the $100 mark per month in some regions.
However, everything will depend on the exact wholesale rates set by the CRTC and the ability of smaller providers to negotiate effectively and roll out their services quickly.
If network access costs remain “reasonable,” independent providers could have a real opportunity to drive prices down and attract households looking for data center–level speeds.
Still limited to certain areas
This development doesn’t mean everyone will have access overnight. The 8 Gbps service will remain limited to areas covered by fiber optics, mainly in major urban centers like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
It will likely take several more months before the first plans hit the market. But for the first time, Canada seems ready to make multi-gigabit fiber truly accessible, without it costing a fortune.
In short, this CRTC decision could mark the beginning of a new era for ultra-high-speed Internet, one where speed and affordability finally go hand in hand.
