Telecom - Staff Letter addressed to the Distribution List
Gatineau, 20 March 2026
Reference: 8622-T117-202600775
BY EMAIL
Distribution List
Subject: Part 1 application by TekSavvy Solutions Inc. on the decommissioning of Cogeco Communications Inc.’s copper facilities
On 3 March 2026, the Commission received an application from TekSavvy Solutions Inc. (TekSavvy) regarding Cogeco Communications Inc.’s (Cogeco) plan to replace its hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) facilities with fibre-based Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON). The decommissioning is expected to take place at four locations in Ontario, two of which will be upgraded as early as 1 April 2026.
TekSavvy alleges that the above actions will result in the removal of facilities used to provide regulated competitive wholesale high speed access (HSA) services with facilities that do not allow for competition. TekSavvy has also indicated that it has not found suitable alternative wholesale HSA service options that would allow it to offer comparable speeds and prices for its customers at the impacted sites, and that in some cases no competitive alternatives exist.
To avoid disconnection, TekSavvy is requesting that the Commission issue an expedited interim order, before 1 April 2026, requiring Cogeco to maintain its wholesale HSA services at the affected locations by either:
- maintaining existing wholesale infrastructure at the impacted sites; or
- providing access to the newly installed fibre facilities at the current HFC available speed and rates.
TekSavvy is also requesting final relief, similar to the interim relief, until a decision is issued on the forthcoming Commission consultation on wholesale decommissioning.
On 17 March 2026, TekSavvy sent a procedural letter asking that the Commission or Commission staff confirm, before 20 March 2026, whether any interim action will be taken. TekSavvy explained that the deadline for intervention falls after the disconnection date of 1 April 2026. TekSavvy, further, indicated that it plans on issuing notices to affected customers on 20 March 2026 to inform them of the impending disconnection.
On 19 March 2026, Cogeco requested that the Commission dismiss TekSavvy’s procedural request and maintain the standard timeframe to respond to the Part 1 Application. Cogeco argued that TekSavvy has deliberately chosen not to pursue the alternative options available in the affected locations. According to Cogeco, maintaining legacy copper facilities is costly and, in many cases, technically unfeasible. Further, consistent with Telecom Regulatory Policy 2024-180, cable carriers are not required to provide mandated aggregate fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) services.
Staff notes that in Telecom Regulatory Policy 2024-180, the Commission indicated that the potential disruption of service and loss of competitive choices for Canadians raises significant concerns. Moreover, the Commission indicated that, in situations involving wholesale decommissioning, parties are expected to avoid instances where competitors could lose access to higher-speed aggregated HSA until the Commission addresses issues related to decommissioning through further process.
As a result, Commission staff requests that Cogeco maintain TekSavvy’s access to all premises at the affected locations using one of the two methods proposed by TekSavvy in its application. This will maintain competitive choices for customers and avoid disconnection or other service issues. Commission staff requests that Cogeco confirm in writing before 27 March 2026 that this access will be preserved.
Commission staff expects that the additional process related to wholesale decommissioning practices will commence in the near future. In the meantime, Commission staff reminds parties that the Commission’s dispute resolution mechanism remains available to help identify potential solutions.
Please ensure that any claims for confidentiality are made in accordance with the requirements set out in the CRTC Rules of Practice and Procedure, including, for example, the requirement to file abridged versions of documents.
All documents must be received, and not merely sent, by the dates indicated, and can be filed on the Commission’s website using GCKey.
Yours sincerely,
Original signed by
Douglas Heath
Director General, Telecommunications Policy
c.c.:
Philippe Kent, CRTC, philippe.kent@crtc.gc.ca
Sheila Leach, CRTC, sheila.leach@crtc.gc.ca
Geordalissa Moleon, CRTC, geordalissa.moleon@crtc.gc.ca
Distribution List
TekSavvy Regulatory (regulatory@teksavvy.ca)
Cogeco Regulatory (mtl.telecomregulatory@cogeco.com)
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