No Shortcuts to Becoming a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO)

An MVNO is a service provider that uses the spectrum and radio access network (RAN) of another wireless carrier to offer mobile services.

In Telecom Regulatory Policy 2021-130, the Commission required Canada’s large incumbent wireless carriers to offer a wholesale facilities-based MVNO access service (i.e., permanent roaming) to eligible regional wireless carriers. This service was intended to enable regional wireless carriers to use incumbents’ networks to offer retail mobile services in new areas while they build out their own wireless networks. To be eligible for mandated MVNO access service, in addition to possessing a spectrum licence at the tier 4 level, a regional wireless carrier must:

• Be registered with the Commission as a wireless carrier;

• Have a home public mobile network (PMN) somewhere in Canada, including a Radio Access Network (RAN) and a core network; and

• Be actively offering mobile wireless services commercially to retail customers (active service).

  
  

In Telecom Decision CRTC 2026-163 issued on July 7, 2026, the CRTC ruled that Every-Day Computers Inc. is not eligible for mandated Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) access, concluding that TELUS Communications Inc. did not act unjustly by refusing to enter an agreement. The applicant failed to meet the core requirements of (i) operating its own home public mobile network, and (ii) offering mobile wireless services commercially to retail customers on that network, thereby upholding policies designed to promote infrastructure investment by regional wireless carriers.

The key takeaway is that obtaining a small (Tier 4) spectrum license along with core network switching gear does not create an entitlement to mandated MVNO access to the networks of the large incumbent wireless carriers.  An entity can still however negotiate such access but must do so without the benefit of mandated CRTC terms and conditions.