The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is imposing $7.5 million in penalties on Bell Canada, owned by BCE Inc., for violations of the Telecommunications Act.
The regulatory agency says Bell denied permit applications from Quebec’s Videotron that would have given it access to the telecom giant’s telephone poles.
The CRTC says this delayed Videotron’s network deployment and created a competitive advantage for Bell.
Ian Scott, chairman and CEO of the CRTC, says the decision proves that the regulatory agency “will not hesitate to use the tools at (its) disposal” to maintain competitiveness in the broadcasting and telecom industry.
The CRTC says the penalties should “deter future non-compliance” with the Telecommunications Act.
Bell says it is “reviewing the decision” and has “no comment at this time.”
Your time is valuable. Have the Top Business Headlines newsletter conveniently delivered to your inbox in the morning or evening. Sign up today.