Latest news with #Ghiz
Cision Canada
07-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Happy 40th! Canada Celebrates Four Decades of Mobile Connectivity Français
Canadian Telecommunications Association celebrates four decades of innovation and investment in connectivity. OTTAWA, ON , July 7, 2025 /CNW/ - Forty years ago, Canada's first mobile wireless networks were launched—an innovation that laid the foundation for the connected world we live in now. While cell phones were the size of bricks, coverage was limited, and the idea of video chatting or streaming on the go seemed more science fiction than reality, those early networks marked the beginning of a transformation that continues to shape our society. Today, the Canadian Telecommunications Association is proud to mark the 40th anniversary of mobile wireless services in Canada with the launch of a new website showcasing how far wireless has come. "In 1985, mobile phones could only make voice calls on analog networks, with coverage primarily in urban centres" said Robert Ghiz, President and CEO of the Canadian Telecommunications Association. "Now, mobile connectivity is the backbone of our digital economy, our social lives, and our emergency response systems. It's hard to imagine life without it." From voice-only analog calls to today's high-speed 5G networks, wireless has evolved into a critical enabler of digital lifestyles, smart infrastructure, and economic growth—transforming virtually every corner of our society. The new campaign highlights: A timeline of wireless evolution from 1G to 5G A look back at how much our devices, and connected lives, have changed A heartfelt video spotlighting life-changing moments made possible by mobile A quiz inviting Canadians to remember their first cell phone And it's not just about nostalgia. The campaign also recognizes the billions of dollars invested by Canada's facilities-based wireless providers to build and maintain one of the world's most advanced telecommunications infrastructures. "As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we also look to the future," added Ghiz. "Canada's continued leadership in wireless requires a policy environment that supports investment, innovation, and inclusive connectivity for all Canadians." To learn more, visit and share your wireless memories on social media using #ConnectedAnniversary. About the Canadian Telecommunications Association The Canadian Telecommunications Association is dedicated to building a better future for Canadians through connectivity. Our members include service providers, equipment manufacturers, and other organizations in the telecommunications ecosystem, that invest in, build, maintain and operate Canada's world-class telecommunications networks. Through our advocacy initiatives, research, and events, we work to promote the importance of telecommunications to Canada's economic growth and social development and advocate for policies that foster investment, innovation, and positive outcomes for consumers. We also facilitate industry initiatives, such as the Mobile Giving Foundation Canada, Canadian Common Short Codes, STAC and
Cision Canada
20-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
CRTC Decision Threatens Investments in Critical Telecom Infrastructure: Canadian Telecommunications Association
Government Action Needed Following CRTC Decision on Wholesale Internet Access OTTAWA, ON, June 20, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian Telecommunications Association is deeply disappointed by the CRTC's decision to uphold its earlier ruling that allows Canada's largest national telecommunications companies—Bell, Rogers, and TELUS—to operate as resellers on the networks of their competitors, including smaller regional providers. If this decision stands, it will lead to reduced investments in network infrastructure, including in rural and remote communities, and ultimately less choice for Canadians. The Association is calling on the Government of Canada to overturn the CRTC's decision and prohibit the three largest providers from reselling service over their competitors' networks. "Canada's telecom networks are more than just wires and cell towers. They are vital, strategic infrastructure that powers our economy, connects our communities, and are critical to our security and safety," said Robert Ghiz, President and CEO, Canadian Telecommunications Association. "Today's decision sends the wrong signal to the companies that build networks. It will reduce investment, undercut smaller regional providers who took on the risk of building their own networks, and ultimately harm the very consumers the policy claims to protect." In 2024 alone, Canada's telecom industry invested over $12 billion in network infrastructure—representing 18% of industry revenues and a higher share than counterparts in most developed countries. These investments support not only faster speeds and broader coverage, but also the economic vitality of rural and remote communities where building is hardest and most expensive. The Commission's decision threatens to reverse that progress. It allows the country's largest network operators to use competitors' network infrastructure at regulated rates rather than continuing to expand and upgrade their own networks. This disincentivizes new builds, harms smaller regional providers, and weakens Canada's ability to deliver next-generation connectivity to all Canadians, especially rural Canadians. Facilities-based competition—not resale—is the foundation of a sustainable and innovative telecom sector. It is what drives network improvements, affordability, and service differentiation. "In a time of economic uncertainty and growing digital dependence, now is not the time to undermine investment," said Mr. Ghiz. "Canadians deserve a resilient, future-ready telecom system built on strong, sustained competition among those committed to building and improving our nation's networks. The Government of Canada must act now to ensure that network builders continue to build."
