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In the decision, CRTC Chairman Jean-Pierre Blais called the companies’ behaviour “very disturbing.” The CRTC reduced some proposed transport component rates by up to 89 per cent and access component rates by up to 39 per cent.

“After analyzing the tariff applications, the CRTC is of the view that the rates proposed by certain of the large companies were not just and reasonable and had to be revised downwards,” the regulator stated in a news release.

“The CRTC is very concerned that certain large companies have not conducted their cost studies in accordance with well-established costing principles and methodologies.”

The Big Three and Cogeco, MTS, SaskTel, Shaw and Vidéotron all submitted rates for this decision. The CRTC is conducting an in-depth analysis of the tariff notices before setting final rates. All parties will be invited to comment.

“Competitors that provide retail Internet services to Canadians using wholesale high-speed services must have access to these services at just and reasonable prices. The fact that these large companies did not respect accepted costing principles and methodologies is very disturbing,” Blais said.

“What’s even more concerning is the fact that Canadians’ access to a choice of broadband Internet services would have been at stake had we not revised these rates. As always, we strive to create a dynamic competitive telecommunications market for Canadians.”

BCE, Rogers and Telus all said they are reviewing the decision.

Financial Post