Pandemic Gives Canada’s Big Communications Firms a Win in Ottawa

  • Canada’s CRTC could change ruling that cut wholesale rates
  • Rogers, BCE praise government comments on striking a balance

Customers browse mobile phones at a Bell Canada store in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Photographer: Brent Lewin/Bloomberg

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Investors have worried about the changing rules for Canada’s big communications companies. But a few of those regulatory clouds may be about to lift.

For all that Covid-19 has disrupted the Canadian economy, there’s a silver lining for telecommunications firms, according to National Bank Financial analyst Adam Shine. Having huge numbers of people working from home has made everyone -- including regulators -- more aware of the importance of reliable internet access, he said in a note this week.