Rogers asks CRTC to reverse MVNO expansion decision

Rogers Communications Inc. has filed a Part 1 application with the CRTC asking the commission to review and vary its decision on access tariffs for mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). The original decision was issued by the regulator last fall. The 2024 decision found that there is undue preference for incumbent national carriers in the enterprise, Internet of Things (IoT), and machine-to-machine (M2M) markets. It mandated Rogers, BCE Inc., Telus Corp. and Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. to allow eligible regional wireless service providers to use wholesale MVNO access to serve customers in those markets. Rogers disputes the commission’s findings, arguing the decision contained several errors in fact and in principle. The Toronto-based telecom accuses the regulator of using flawed retail market power assessment; no consideration of wholesale market competition; and no assessment of regional MVNO access at just and reasonable wholesale rates on retail competition or regional investment. “With respect to the M2M/IoT services, the decision failed to properly consider the massive impact that existing resellers have on the market,” the company wrote on Jan. 24. “In fact, the market for retail M2M/IoT services is likely one of the most competitive markets for telecommunications services in the country.” Rogers alleged that existing resellers command considerable market share in the IoT/M2M market. Many of them are international carriers like AT&T, Vodafone and Kone Wireless, the company stated. Global MNOs and MVNOs offer a compelling substitute product, the Canadian carrier added. “It is factually inaccurate to state that existing MVNOs only operate in the Canadian markets because they provide reciprocal roaming or network access agreements,” the Part 1 said. “In fact, many existing MVNOs are not network operators anywhere.” The commission’s analysis of switching costs erroneously focused on regional wireless service providers (WSPs) and ignored key technologies, Rogers claimed. The company also argued that the CRTC did not consider embedded subscriber identity modules (eSIMs) and their effect on switching carriers. There are few if any barriers to entry to the IoT/M2M market by MVNOs, the Toronto firm said, adding that the global carriers have massive buying power. By focusing on the regional WSPs, the commission did not look at all potential entrants. There is great competition in the IoT/M2M marketplace, Rogers asserted. “The evidence is clear and undisputed: the national WSPs are competing aggressively with one another and, in the M2M/IoT market, with hundreds of existing resellers who are vigorously pursuing retail customers,” the company maintained. Rogers wants the CRTC to reverse its findings of excessive market power by the national carriers, its claim of undue preference, and allowing resellers to access the IoT/M2M market. Replies to the Part 1 application are due by Feb. 28. ppark@thewirereport.ca

Rogers asks CRTC to reverse MVNO expansion decision

Regulatory |
By Paul Park
| February 4, 2025

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Rogers asks CRTC to reverse MVNO expansion decision

Regulatory | By Paul Park | February 4, 2025

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| February 4, 2025