CRTC issues new internet-plan comparison and performance verification rules
Published · Updated
What happened
The CRTC released new measures on 2026-09-10 to make internet plans easier for Canadians to compare and to help subscribers check whether they are receiving the service they purchased.
Why it matters
The measures change the operating requirements for retail internet providers and may alter how plans are marketed, disclosed, and verified. In the near term, carriers, consumer groups, and telecom policymakers will look for implementation details, compliance timelines, and whether the rules shift competition in household broadband offers.
On 2026-09-10, the CRTC announced measures aimed at helping Canadians compare retail internet plans and verify whether delivered service matches advertised speeds and terms. The move adds near-term compliance obligations for internet providers and gives the federal digital-policy file a concrete consumer-protection and competition enforcement angle. For Ottawa, the immediate question is whether implementation remains light-touch or is followed by stronger disclosure and enforcement steps if carriers do not comply quickly.
Watch for
CRTC publication of compliance guidance or implementation timelines for internet service providers by 2026-09-14 Bell, Rogers, or TELUS updates to retail broadband plan disclosures or speed-verification pages by 2026-09-14 Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada statement on alignment with telecom consumer-protection policy by 2026-09-14 Public Interest Advocacy Centre or OpenMedia filing that seeks stronger enforcement or standardized labels by 2026-09-14