Investment
A healthy and sustainable telecommunication sector requires policies that foster competition among the telecom providers who invest in delivering high-quality networks, broad coverage, and increased value to consumers.
Canada’s telecommunications sector directly contributed nearly $77 billion to the Canadian economy in 2022 and supported nearly 724,000 jobs. These contributions were fueled by over $13 billion in capital investments by network operators to expand and enhance their network infrastructure, while investing at a higher rate than their international peers. But the work is not done. Ongoing investment is needed to connect all Canadians and strengthen critical infrastructure against the impacts of climate change.
The industry’s role
Canada’s regulators have long recognized that competition between the companies that build and operate telecommunication networks, also known as facilities-based competition, is the best way to achieve the objectives of high-quality services, wide network coverage, and affordable prices.
This competition drives national and regional network operators to invest in expanding and enhancing their digital networks. The result is that Canada has some of the best performing and farthest-reaching networks in the world. It has also resulted in Canadian consumers continuing to receive more value for their dollar, with networks getting faster, increased coverage and larger data allowances, including unlimited data plans.
Other priority areas
Connecting Canadians
Innovation
Spectrum
Strengthening communities
Accessibility
Public safety
Cybersecurity & privacy
Sustainability
Additional resources
Learn more about the telecommunications industry in Canada, including industry data, reports, consumer resources, and the latest news.
