The Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is proposing to mandate big carriers like Telus, Bell, and Rogers to sell access to their networks off to low cost “virtual” providers. These virtual providers, also known as MVNOs, would, in turn, be able to offer cheaper plans to Canadians.

The CEO of Telus has responded to the CRTC proposal by threatening lay-offs and investment cuts. If his corporation is required to open their networks up to MVNOs, Telus says they may be forced to let go of 5,000 workers and cut back on $1 billion of investment. The telecom giant would also cut its philanthropic giving program.

MVNOs are widespread in European countries and even the United States, where cellular plans offer higher usage at lower costs. Canada’s cellphone plans remain some of the costliest in the world.

Darren Entwistle, Telus’ CEO, received roughly $12.6 million in compensation in 2018. Telus itself made $1.7 billion in profit last year, an increase of almost 10 percent since the year before.

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