Smaller telecom companies in Canada are concerned about the dominance of major players like Rogers, especially in Toronto where exclusive service agreements cover entire residential buildings. These agreements make Rogers the primary provider of internet, home phone, and cable services in many condo communities. Beanfield, an independent provider, has complained to the CRTC that these agreements limit consumer choice and give Rogers an unfair advantage. They claim that nearly half of new condo developments in the GTA have such agreements, potentially resulting in significant customer losses.
Rogers defends these agreements by citing convenience and discounted pricing for residents, arguing that alternatives are available to consumers. However, Beanfield argues that switching providers is impractical due to bundled service fees.
The federal government intervened previously to prevent Rogers from monopolizing cell phone service in the TTC, highlighting broader concerns about promoting competition in Canada's telecommunications and grocery sectors. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne has emphasized the importance of addressing consumer costs and competition issues in these markets.