Canada: Study finds that many Canadians benefit from choice of Internet providers

As of 2018, more than 1 million Canadian households had chosen an independent provider for their high-speed Internet connection.

That’s one of the findings of the Competition Bureau’s study of competition and consumer habits in Canada’s high-speed Internet industry.

The study found that the majority of Canadians currently obtain their Internet services from traditional telephone and cable companies. However, the Bureau also found that CRTC regulations that allow independent Internet providers to buy access to telecom companies’ networks have created more choices for consumers. With more options, a growing number of Canadians are switching to independent Internet providers.

More choices between providers allows many Canadians to choose a plan that meets their needs related to cost, network speeds, and quality of service. However, such options are rarely available to rural and remote customers.