Communications Monitoring Report 2013: Telecommunications service industry
5.0 Telecommunications service industry
5.1 Financial review
In 2012, the Canadian telecommunications service industry was dominated by 10 large companies that collectively, with their affiliates, accounted for 93% of Canadian telecommunications revenues of $43.9 billion. The remaining entities were smaller, with annual combined revenues of less than $2.9 billion, placing each company well below 10% of total Canadian telecommunications revenues as set out in subsection 16(6) of the Telecommunications Act, as amended.
Section 16 of the Telecommunications Act addresses the eligibility of Canadian carriers to operate as telecommunications common carriers. For the purposes of applying the provisions of this section, the Commission has determined that, for the period between the date of release of the 2013 Communications Monitoring Report and the date of release of the 2014 Communications Monitoring Report, the total annual revenues from the provision of telecommunications services in Canada is $43.9 billion.
In 2012, companies operating in all six markets of the telecommunications service industry (i.e. local and access, long distance, Internet, data, private line, and wireless) accounted for approximately 87% of Canadian telecommunications revenues. Companies operating in only one market sector accounted for 1% of revenues.
This section provides a broad overview of the financial performance of the telecommunications service industry and examines various financial indicators such as revenue trends by market sector and by type of service provider, profitability, market share, capital intensity, and average revenues per line.
Telecommunications service industry at a glance
| 2011 | 2012 | % Growth |
Telecommunications revenues1 ($ billions) | 42.8# | 43.9 | 2.7 |
Percentage of telecommunications revenues | Top 5 ILECs | 65 | 65 | 5.2 |
Top 5 cable companies | 30 | 30 | 4.2 |
Top 5 resellers | 2 | 2 | -0.6 |
Capex ($ billions) | Wireline | 7.2# | 7.1 | -1.3 |
Wireless3 | 2.3 | 2.5 | 9.2 |
EBITDA margin (%) | Wireline | 21 | 22 | 6.8 |
Wireless | 43 | 40 | -6.3 |
Average wireless retail revenues2
($/subscriber/month) | 57.00# | 58.60 | 2.8% |
- Excludes landline terminal revenues.
- Average retail revenues per subscriber per month are obtained by dividing total retail revenues by the total number of retail subscribers, then dividing this number by 12.
- Globalive, Public Mobile and Data & Audio expenditures were excluded.
Source: CRTC data collection
Statistical information – Telecommunications
a) Industry revenues
Table 5.1.1 Retail and wholesale telecommunications revenues1 ($ billions)
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR 2008-2012 |
Wireline | Retail2 | 21.1 | 21.0 | 20.6 | 20.6# | 20.6 | -0.5% |
Percentage growth | 1.2 | -0.4 | -1.8 | 0.2 | 0.0 | |
Wholesale | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.0# | 2.9 | -1.7% |
Percentage growth | 10.1 | -1.3 | -0.3 | -1.4 | -3.6 | |
Wireline total | 24.2 | 24.0 | 23.7 | 23.7 | 23.5 | -0.6% |
Percentage growth | 2.2 | -0.5 | -1.6 | 0.0 | -0.5 | |
Wireless | Retail | 15.6 | 16.3 | 17.5 | 18.4 | 19.5 | 5.8% |
Percentage growth | 11.1 | 4.9 | 7.2 | 5.0 | 6.1 | |
Wholesale | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 16.5% |
Percentage growth | -8.0 | 19.3 | -12.9 | 50.6 | 17.6 | |
Wireless total | 16.0 | 16.9 | 18.0 | 19.1 | 20.4 | 6.2% |
Percentage growth | 9.3 | 5.3 | 6.6 | 6.2 | 6.5 | |
Retail total | 36.6 | 37.3 | 38.1 | 39.1 | 40.2 | 2.3% |
Percentage growth | 5.2 | 1.8 | 2.2 | 2.4 | 2.9 | |
Wholesale total | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 3.7 | 3.7 | 1.2% |
Percentage growth | 7.4 | 1.4 | -2.2 | 5.6 | 0.5 | |
Total | 40.3 | 41.0 | 41.7 | 42.8 | 43.9 | 2.2% |
Percentage growth | 5.4 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 2.7 | 2.7 | |
- Estimates were made to capture revenues of the smaller TSPs that were not required to complete detailed survey forms.
- Local and Access terminal equipment and other non-telecommunications revenues were excluded.
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.1.1 Telecommunications revenues and annual growth
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.1.2 Telecommunications revenues, by market sector ($ billions)
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR
2008-2012 |
Wireline | Voice | Local and access | 9.6 | 9.4 | 9.1 | 9.0# | 8.6 | -2.6% |
Percentage growth | 0.1 | -1.9 | -2.7 | -1.9 | -4.2 | |
Long distance | 4.2 | 3.9 | 3.4 | 3.0# | 2.7 | -10.3% |
Percentage growth | -3.8 | -7.1 | -11.0 | -11.8 | -11.2 | |
Voice subtotal | 13.7 | 13.2 | 12.6 | 12.0 | 11.3 | -4.8% |
Percentage growth | -1.1 | -3.5 | -5.0 | -4.6 | -6.0 | |
Non-voice | Internet | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 5.6% |
Percentage growth | 9.1 | 6.1 | 4.2 | 6.3 | 5.9 | |
Newer data protocols | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 10.5% |
Percentage growth | 15.1 | 14.4 | 8.3 | 12.2 | 7.2 | |
Legacy data, private line, and other | 2.8 | 2.6 | 2.5 | 2.4 | 2.4 | -3.8% |
Percentage growth | -0.4 | -8.3 | -5.3 | -2.9 | 1.6 | |
Data and private line subtotal | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 1.8% |
Percentage growth | 4.4 | -0.5 | 0.0 | 3.5 | 4.1 | |
Non-voice subtotal | 10.5 | 10.8 | 11.1 | 11.7 | 12.3 | 4.1% |
Percentage growth | 7.1 | 3.4 | 2.5 | 5.3 | 5.2 | |
Total wireline | 24.2 | 24.0 | 23.7 | 23.7 | 23.5 | -0.6% |
Percentage growth | 2.3 | -0.5 | -1.6 | 0.0 | -0.5 | |
Wireless | 16.0 | 16.9 | 18.0 | 19.1 | 20.4 | 6.2% |
Percentage growth | 10.4 | 5.3 | 6.6 | 6.2 | 6.5 | |
Total | 40.3 | 41.0 | 41.7 | 42.8 | 43.9 | 2.2% |
Percentage growth | 5.4 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 2.7 | 2.7 | |
Source: CRTC data collection
b) Technology indicators
Figure 5.1.2 Annual telecommunications revenue growth, by market sector
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.1.3 Residential IP-provisioned service revenues
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.1.4 Total telecommunications revenue market share, by type of TSP, 2012
Source: CRTC data collection
c) Industry characteristics
Table 5.1.3 Wireline telecommunications revenue market share (%), by type of TSP, 2012
| Retail | Wholesale | Total |
Residential | Business | Total |
Incumbent TSPs (excl. out-of-territory) | 51.7 | 65.7 | 57.9 | 72.1 | 59.7 |
Alternative TSPs | Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 0.1 | 12.3 | 5.5 | 12.7 | 6.4 |
Facilities-based non-incumbent TSPs | 42.8 | 13.2 | 29.7 | 12.1 | 27.5 |
Resellers | 5.3 | 8.8 | 6.9 | 3.1 | 6.4 |
Alternative TSPs subtotal | 48.6 | 33.2 | 41.8 | 25.6 | 39.8 |
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.1.5 Distribution of telecommunications revenues, by market sector
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.1.4 Percentage of telecommunications revenues generated by companies operating in multiple markets
Number of markets1 | Number of reporting companies operating in these markets2 | Percentage of telecom revenues generated in these markets |
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
6 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 89 | 88 | 87 |
5 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
4 | 23 | 19 | 22 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
3 | 29 | 38 | 41 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
2 | 31 | 33 | 26 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
1 | 56 | 52 | 65 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
- Markets includes local and access, long distance, Internet, data and private line, and wireless markets.
- Affiliates are included with their parent company.
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.1.6 Telecommunications revenues for the top 5 company groups, the next 5 company groups, and the remaining company groups
- Top 5 are Bell, MTS, Rogers, Shaw and TCC.
- Next 5 are Bragg, Cogeco, Quebecor, SaskTel and Telesat Canada
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.1.7 Total telecommunications revenue market share, by type of TSP, 2012
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.1.5 Total telecommunications revenues, by type of service provider ($ millions)
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
Incumbent TSPs | Large incumbent TSPs | 26,777.9 | 26,752.3 | 27,203.0# | 27,478.5 |
Small incumbent TSPs | 401.8 | 417.5 | 469.9 | 474.4 |
Subtotal | 27,179.7 | 27,169.8 | 27,672.9# | 27,952.9 |
Less: out-of-territory | 4,290.6 | 4,326.1 | 4,105.6 # | 4,934.6 |
Incumbents (excl. out-of-territory) | 22,889.1 | 22,843.7 | 23,567.3 | 23,018.3 |
Percent of total | 56% | 55% | 55% | 52% |
Alternative
TSPs | Facilities-based carriers | Incumbents (out-of-territory) | 4,290.6 | 4,326.1 | 4,105.6 | 4,934.6 |
Cable BDUs | 11,428.4 | 12,237.0 | 12,734.9 | 13,272.9 |
Utility telcos and other | 723.7 | 713.5 | 849.8 | 1,148.7 |
Subtotal alternative TSPs | 16,442.6 | 17,276.5 | 17,690.3 | 19,356.2 |
Resellers | 1,594.7 | 1,533.8 | 1,522.8 | 1,540.7 |
Total facilities-based and resellers | 18,037.2 | 18,810.3 | 19,213.1 | 20,896.9 |
Percent of total | 44% | 45% | 45% | 48% |
Total | 40,926.4 | 41,654.0 | 42,780.4 | 43,915.2 |
Source: CRTC data collection
d) Financial performance
Figure 5.1.8 Telecommunications revenues and EBITDA margins
- 2010 Wireline – Incumbent TSPs (including out-of-territory) EBITDA figure has been restated due to company adjustments.
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.1.6 Telecommunications capex, by type of TSP ($ billions)
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR 2008-2012 |
Wireline | Incumbent TSPs1 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 1.6% |
Percentage growth | -1.4 | 1.4 | 5.1 | 5.4 | -5.0 | |
Alternative TSPs2 | Facilities-based TSPs | 1.7 | 1.5 | 2.1 | 2.6# | 2.7 | 12.1% |
Percentage growth | 5.6 | -10.7 | 40.2 | 20.5 | 4.8 | |
Resellers | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | -14.8% |
Percentage growth | -2.5 | -59.0 | -35.5 | 33.6 | 48.8 | |
Alternative TSPs total | 1.8 | 1.6 | 2.2 | 2.6# | 2.7 | 11.3% |
Percentage growth | 5.2 | -12.8 | 38.7 | 20.7 | 5.2 | |
Wireline total | 5.9 | 5.7 | 6.6 | 7.2 | 7.1 | 4.8% |
Percentage growth | 0.5 | -2.9 | 14.2 | 10.4 | -1.3 | |
Wireless | 6.1 | 2.2 | 1.8 | 2.3# | 2.5 | -19.7% |
Percentage growth | 220.2 | -63.0 | -18.9 | 27.2 | 9.2 | |
Wireline and wireless total | 12.0 | 8.0 | 8.4 | 9.6 | 9.7 | -5.2% |
Percentage growth | 54.1 | -33.4 | 4.9 | 14.1 | 1.2 | |
1. Included out-of-territory operations
2. Excludes incumbent out-of-territory operations
- Globalive, Public Mobile and Data & Audio expenditures were excluded due to insufficient data.
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.1.9 Telecommunications capex as a percentage of revenues, by type of TSP1
1. Incumbent TSPs (including out-of-territory) and cable BDUs and other facilities-based TSPs exclude their respective wireless services.
- Globalive, Public Mobile and Data & Audio expenditures were excluded due to insufficient data.
Source: CRTC data collection
e) Forbearance and wholesale revenue data
Table 5.1.7 Percentage of telecommunications revenues generated by forborne services
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
Local and access1 | 75 | 71 | 73 | 76 | 77 |
Long distance | 94 | 96 | 96 | 95 | 99 |
Internet | 98 | 99 | 98 | 98 | 98 |
Data and private line1 | 80 | 82 | 81 | 83 | 84 |
Wireless | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
Overall | 90 | 91 | 92 | 93 | 93 |
- Additional companies reported in 2012
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.1.10 Telecommunications wholesale service revenues, tariff v. off-tariff v. non-tariff, 2012
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.1.11 Telecommunications wholesale service revenues, by type of service, 2012
Source: CRTC data collection
5.2 Wireline voice market sector
Overview
Canadians were served by over 100 providers of local telephone service and over 150 providers of long distance service in 2012. These service providers included the following:
- large incumbent TSPs, which provide both local and long distance services, primarily over their own networks;
- small incumbent TSPs, which operate in limited areas of Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, and include municipally owned, public, and private carriers;
- cable BDUs, which provide network-based local and long distance services on a managed network;
- ISPs which provide local and/or long distance service over the public Internet network; and
- resellers, which do not own their own facilities and tend to concentrate on the long distance market by offering dial-around or prepaid card services.
This section presents revenue and demand quantities (i.e., number of local subscriber lines, payphones and long distance minutes) generally over a five-year period to display the trends in the sector. Performance and technology indicators, such as ARPU and market share data, and measurement data identifying innovation and technology deployment in the network and service offerings are also provided, generally for a five-year period.
Wireline voice sector at a glance
| 2011 | 2012 | % change |
Revenues ($ billions) | 11.8 | 11.1 | -5.8 |
Local and access1 | 8.8 | 8.5 | -4.0 |
Long distance2 | 3.0 | 2.7 | -11.2 |
Local lines (millions) | 19.9 | 19.4 | -2.7 |
Monthly retail local and long distance revenues per line | $47.31# | $46.27 | -2.2 |
Monthly retail local revenues per line | $36.28# | $36.19 | -0.3 |
Residence | $31.23# | $30.80 | -1.3 |
Business | $46.65# | $47.35 | 1.5 |
Retail long distance revenues per minute | $0.058# | $0.055 | -5.0 |
Residence | $0.068# | $0.067 | -0.8 |
Business | $0.044# | $0.040 | -10.0 |
Incumbent revenue market share (excluding out-of-territory) |
Local and access | 76% | 74% | |
Long distance | 61%# | 63% | |
- Revenues from telephony services that do not involve connectivity to the PSTN (i.e. computer‑to‑computer communication) and revenues from wireline terminal equipment sales (telephones and PBX equipment) are excluded from local and access revenues.
- Long distance calls originating from mobile phones are included in the wireless section of this report. However, revenues and minutes from wireline and wireless long distance calls associated with calling cards are included in the wireline voice sector.
Source: CRTC data collection
Statistical information – Wireline voice market sector
a) Industry revenues
Table 5.2.1 Local and access, and long distance revenues
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR 2008 – 2012 |
Total local and access revenues ($ millions) | 9,550 | 9,386 | 9,132 | 8,962# | 8,584 | -2.6% |
Annual growth (%) | 0.1 | -1.7 | -2.7 | -1.9 | -4.2 | |
Less: contribution revenues
($ millions) | 209 | 203 | 165 | 157 | 132 | -10.9% |
Local and access service revenues ($ millions) | 9,342 | 9,183 | 8,967 | 8,806# | 8,453 | -2.5% |
Annual growth (%) | 0.2 | -1.7 | -2.4 | -1.8 | -4.0 | |
Long distance revenues
($ millions) | 4,153 | 3,856 | 3,432 | 3,026# | 2,687 | -10.3% |
Annual growth (%) | -3.8 | -7.1 | -11.0 | -11.8 | -11.2 | |
Local and access and long distance revenues ($ millions) | 13,494 | 13,039 | 12,399 | 11,831# | 11,140 | -4.7 % |
Annual growth (%) | -1.1 | -3.4 | -4.9 | -4.6 | -5.8 | |
- Excludes revenues from small, access-independent VoIP providers.
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.2.1 Large incumbent TSPs’ payphone revenues and quantities
- Approximately 10% of payphones are equipped with teletypewriter (TTY) capability.
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.2.2 Local and access revenues, by type of TSP ($ millions)
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR 2009 – 2012 |
Residential |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 3,546 | 3,349 | 3,129 | 2,906 | -6.4 % |
Annual growth % | -7.3 | -5.6 | -6.6 | -7.1 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 9 | 9 | 12# | 16 | 20.2 % |
Annual growth % | -5.9 | -1.8 | 31.7 | 34.2 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs
(excluding cable BDUs) | 140 | 123 | 161# | 173 | 7.3 % |
Annual growth % | 10.7 | -12.2 | 30.7 | 7.6 | |
Cable BDUs | 1,099 | 1,252 | 1,285 | 1,307 | 6.0 % |
Annual growth % | 21.3 | 13.9 | 2.6 | 1.7 | |
Total residential | 4,794 | 4,732 | 4,586 | 4,401 | -2.8 % |
Annual growth % | -1.5 | -1.3 | -3.1 | -4.0 | |
Business |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 3,017 | 2,934 | 2,813# | 2,664 | -4.1 % |
Annual growth % | -2.6 | -2.7 | -4.1 | -5.3 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 309 | 270 | 259# | 306 | -0.3 % |
Annual growth % | -0.1 | -12.6 | -4.0 | 18.1 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs | 189 | 182 | 266# | 291 | 15.5 % |
Annual growth % | 28.7 | -3.9 | 46.3 | 9.4 | |
Total business | 3,514 | 3,386 | 3,339# | 3,261 | -2.5 % |
Annual growth % | -1.1 | -3.7 | -1.4 | -2.3 | |
Retail |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 6,563 | 6,282 | 5,942# | 5,570 | -5.3 % |
Annual growth % | -5.2 | -4.3 | -5.4 | -6.3 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 318 | 279 | 271# | 322 | 0.4 % |
Annual growth % | -0.3 | -12.3 | -2.9 | 18.8 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs | 1,428 | 1,556 | 1,711 # | 1,771 | 7.4 % |
Annual growth % | 21.0 | 9.0 | 10.0 | 3.5 | |
Total retail | 8,308 | 8,117 | 7,924# | 7,663 | -2.7 % |
Annual growth % | -1.3 | -2.3 | -2.4 | -3.3 | |
Wholesale |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 660 | 653 | 682# | 623 | -1.9 % |
Annual growth % | -3.8 | -1.1 | 4.5 | -8.7 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 115 | 105 | 112# | 85 | -9.7 % |
Annual growth % | 0.4 | -8.6 | 6.5 | -24.2 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs | 49 | 41 | 39# | 44 | -3.7 % |
Annual growth % | -3.7 | -17.6 | -4.6 | 13.6 | |
Total wholesale | 824 | 798 | 832# | 751 | -3.0 % |
Annual growth % | -3.2 | -3.1 | 4.3 | -9.8 | |
Total |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 7,223 | 6,935 | 6,624# | 6,193 | -5.0 % |
Annual growth % | -5.1 | -4.0 | -4.5 | -6.5 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 432 | 383 | 382# | 406 | -2.1 % |
Annual growth % | -0.1 | -11.3 | -0.3 | 6.2 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs | 1,477 | 1,597 | 1,750# | 1,815 | 7.1 % |
Annual growth % | 20.0 | 8.1 | 9.6 | 3.7 | |
Total revenues | 9,132 | 8,915 | 8,756# | 8,414 | -2.7 % |
Annual growth % | -1.5 | -2.4 | -1.8 | -3.9 | |
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.2.3 Local wholesale revenues, by major component ($ millions)
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR 2008 – 2012 |
Interconnection | 281 | 280 | 276 | 254 | 220 | -5.9% |
Centrex | 97 | 97 | 89 | 88 | 76 | -5.9% |
PSTN access | 280 | 290 | 288 | 354 | 327 | 4.0% |
Unbundled loops | 116 | 92 | 79 | 60 | 47 | -20.3% |
Other revenues | 47 | 33 | 42 | 42 | 44 | -1.9% |
Total | 821 | 792 | 774 | 798 | 714 | -3.4% |
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.2.4 Long distance revenues, by type of TSP ($ millions)
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR 2009 – 2012 |
Residential |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 1,288 | 1,136 | 1,051# | 931 | -10.2% |
Annual growth % | -10.6 | -11.8 | -7.5 | -11.4 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | -26.0% |
Annual growth % | -21.5 | -16.4 | -21.8 | -38.1 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs | 709 | 590 | 554 | 492 | -11.5% |
Annual growth % | -2.5 | -16.9 | -6.0 | -11.2 | |
Total residential | 1,999 | 1,728 | 1,606# | 1,424 | -10.7% |
Annual growth % | -7.9 | -13.6 | -7.0 | -11.3 | |
Business |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 669 | 565 | 491# | 449 | -12.5% |
Annual growth % | -2.4 | -15.6 | -13.1 | -8.5 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 161 | 115 | 119# | 89 | -17.9% |
Annual growth % | -8.4 | -28.2 | 2.7 | -25.0 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs | 247 | 226 | 193 | 173 | -11.1% |
Annual growth % | -16.2 | -8.3 | -14.8 | -10.2 | |
Total business | 1,077 | 907 | 802# | 711 | -12.9% |
Annual growth % | -6.9 | -15.8 | -11.5 | -11.3 | |
Retail |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 1,957 | 1,701 | 1,542# | 1,380 | -11.0% |
Annual growth % | -7.9 | -13.1 | -9.4 | -10.5 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 163 | 117 | 120# | 90 | -18.0% |
Annual growth % | -8.6 | -28.1 | 2.3 | -25.1 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs | 956 | 816 | 747 | 665 | -11.4% |
Annual growth % | -6.4 | -14.6 | -8.5 | -11.0 | |
Total retail | 3,076 | 2,634 | 2,408# | 2,135 | -11.5% |
Annual growth % | -7.5 | -14.4 | -8.6 | -11.3 | |
Wholesale |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 373 | 311 | 315# | 323 | -4.6% |
Annual growth % | -11.2 | -16.6 | 1.3 | 2.6 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 231 | 229 | 205# | 138 | -15.8% |
Annual growth % | -11.8 | -1.1 | -10.5 | -32.5 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs | 176 | 257 | 97 | 90 | -20.0% |
Annual growth % | 21.4 | 46.3 | -62.3 | -7.1 | |
Total wholesale | 780 | 797 | 617# | 552 | -10.9% |
Annual growth % | -5.7 | 2.2 | -22.6 | -10.6 | |
Total |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 2,330 | 2,012 | 1,857# | 1,704 | -9.9% |
Annual growth % | -8.5 | -13.6 | -7.7 | -8.2 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 394 | 346 | 325# | 228 | -16.7% |
Annual growth % | -10.5 | -12.2 | -6.2 | -29.8 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs | 1,132 | 1,073 | 844 | 755 | -12.6% |
Annual growth % | -3.0 | -5.2 | -21.4 | -10.5 | |
Total revenues | 3,856 | 3,432 | 3,026# | 2,687 | -11.3% |
Annual growth % | -7.1 | -11.0 | -11.8 | -11.2 | |
Source: CRTC data collection
b) Subscriber line and minute data
Table 5.2.5 Number of local telephone lines, access dependent v. access independent (thousands)
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR 2008 – 2012 |
Local lines excluding access-independent VoIP providers | 20,947 | 20,348 | 19,996 | 19,918 # | 19,388 | -1.9% |
Annual growth % | 0.1 | -2.9 | -1.7 | -0.4 | -2.7 | |
Access-independent VoIP lines | 153 | 161 | n/a | 356 | 812 | 51.8 % |
Annual growth % | -8.5 | 5.0 | n/a | n/a | 128.5 | |
- Additional companies responded in 2012.
- Includes non-revenue generating lines.
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.2.2 Access-independent and access-dependent retail VoIP local lines, by market 2012
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.2.6 Local and access lines, by type of TSP (thousands)
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR 2009 – 2012 |
Residential |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 8,818 | 8,142 | 7,543 | 6,942 | -7.7% |
Annual growth % | -7.6 | -7.7 | -7.4 | -8.0 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 28 | 27 | 34 | 33 | 4.7% |
Annual growth % | 4.6 | -6.1 | 26.7 | -3.5 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs
(excluding cable BDUs) | 416 | 463 | 600 | 674 | 17.4% |
Annual growth % | -17.6 | 11.3 | 29.5 | 12.3 | |
Cable BDUs | 3,425 | 3,947 | 4,061 | 4,258 | 7.5% |
Annual growth % | 17.4 | 15.2 | 2.9 | 4.8 | |
Total residential | 12,687 | 12,578 | 12,238 | 11,907 | -2.1% |
Annual growth % | -2.3 | -0.9 | -2.7 | -2.7 | |
Business |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 4,968 | 4,721 | 4,598# | 4,441 | -3.7% |
Annual growth % | -5.7 | -5.0 | -2.6 | -3.4 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 617 | 638 | 752 | 639 | 1.2% |
Annual growth % | 0.5 | 3.3 | 17.9 | -15.0 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs | 435 | 457 | 614 | 660 | 14.9% |
Annual growth % | 11.7 | 5.0 | 34.5 | 7.4 | |
Total business | 6,021 | 5,815 | 5,964# | 5,740 | -1.6% |
Annual growth % | -4.0 | -3.4 | 2.6 | -3.8 | |
Retail |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 13,786 | 12,863 | 12,140# | 11,383 | -6.2% |
Annual growth % | -6.9 | -6.7 | -5.6 | -6.2 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 646 | 664 | 786 | 671 | 1.3% |
Annual growth % | 0.7 | 2.9 | 18.3 | -14.5 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs | 4,276 | 4,867 | 5,276 | 5,592 | 9.4% |
Annual growth % | 12.2 | 13.8 | 8.4 | 6.0 | |
Total retail | 18,708 | 18,394 | 18,202# | 17,647 | -1.9% |
Annual growth % | -2.9 | -1.7 | -1.0 | -3.0 | |
Wholesale |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 533 | 515 | 525# | 495 | -2.5% |
Annual growth % | -14.4 | -3.4 | 1.9 | -5.8 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 300 | 266 | 322 | 247 | -6.2% |
Annual growth % | 14.6 | -11.2 | 21.0 | -23.3 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs | 99 | 88 | 151# | 300 | 44.7% |
Annual growth % | 1.7 | -11.1 | 71.7 | 98.6 | |
Total wholesale | 932 | 870 | 999# | 1,042 | 3.8% |
Annual growth % | -5.1 | -6.7 | 14.8 | 4.4 | |
Total |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 14,319 | 13,378 | 12,655# | 11,878 | -6.0% |
Annual growth % | -7.2 | -6.6 | -5.4 | -6.1 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 946 | 931 | 1,108 | 919 | -1.0% |
Annual growth % | 4.7 | -1.6 | 19.1 | -17.1 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs | 4,375 | 4,955 | 5,437 | 5,892 | 10.4% |
Annual growth % | 11.9 | 13.2 | 9.7 | 8.4 | |
Total lines | 19,640 | 19,263 | 19,200# | 18,689 | -1.6% |
Annual growth % | -3.0 | -1.9 | -0.3 | -2.7 | |
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.2.3 Alternative TSP local retail lines (excluding incumbent out-of-territory), by type of facility
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.2.4 Alternative TSP local residential and business lines, by type of facility, 2012
Source: CRTC data collection
c) Performance and technology indicators
Table 5.2.7 Local and long distance retail monthly revenues per line ($)
Local and long distance | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR 2009 – 2012 |
Residential | 44.62 | 42.79 | 42.17# | 40.77 | -3.0% |
Annual growth % | -1.2 | -4.1 | -1.5 | -3.3 | |
Business | 63.55 | 61.50 | 57.85# | 57.67 | -3.2% |
Annual growth % | 1.6 | -3.2 | -5.9 | -0.3 | |
Total retail | 50.71 | 48.71 | 47.31# | 46.27 | - 3.0% |
Annual growth % | -0.2 | -3.9 | -2.9 | -2.2 | |
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.2.8 Local and access retail monthly revenues ($), per line by type of TSP
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR 2009 – 2012 |
Residential |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 33.51 | 34.27 | 34.57 | 34.88 | 1.3% |
Annual growth % | 0.3 | 2.3 | 0.9 | 0.9 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 26.42 | 27.62 | 28.71# | 39.93 | 14.8% |
Annual growth % | -10.0 | 4.6 | 3.9 | 39.1 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs
(excluding cable BDUs) | 28.04 | 22.10 | 22.31# | 21.38 | -8.6% |
Annual growth % | 34.4 | -21.2 | 0.9 | -4.2 | |
Cable BDUs | 26.73 | 26.42 | 26.36 | 25.58 | -1.5% |
Annual growth % | 3.3 | -1.1 | -0.2 | -3.0 | |
Total residential | 31.49 | 31.35 | 31.23 | 30.80 | -0.7% |
Annual growth % | 0.8 | -0.4 | -0.4 | -1.3 | |
Business |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 50.60 | 51.79 | 50.99# | 49.99 | -0.4% |
Annual growth % | 3.4 | 2.4 | -1.5 | 2.0 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 41.67 | 35.26 | 28.71# | 39.91 | -1.4% |
Annual growth % | -0.6 | -15.4 | -18.6 | 39.0 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs | 36.22 | 33.17 | 36.09# | 36.76 | 0.5% |
Annual growth % | 15.2 | -8.4 | 8.8 | 1.9 | |
Total business | 48.64 | 48.51 | 46.65# | 47.35 | -0.9% |
Annual growth % | 3.1 | -0.3 | -3.8 | 1.5 | |
Retail |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 39.67 | 40.70 | 40.79# | 40.78 | 0.9% |
Annual growth % | 1.8 | 2.6 | 0.2 | 0.0 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 41.00 | 34.95 | 28.71# | 39.91 | -0.9% |
Annual growth % | -1.0 | -14.8 | -17.9 | 39.0 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs | 27.82 | 26.65 | 27.03# | 26.39 | -1.7% |
Annual growth % | 7.9 | -4.2 | 1.4 | -2.4 | |
Total retail | 37.01 | 36.78 | 36.28# | 36.19 | -0.7% |
Annual growth % | 1.6 | -0.6 | -1.3 | -0.3 | |
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.2.9 Local and access, and long distance forborne revenues and lines (%)
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
Forborne revenues |
Local and access1 | 71 | 73 | 76 | 72 |
Long distance | 96 | 96 | 95 | 96 |
Forborne local lines |
Residential | 77 | 80 | 82 | 84 |
Business | 68 | 72 | 76 | 78 |
- Additional companies responded in 2012.
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.2.10 Incumbent TSP provincial retail local market share, by line (%)
Province | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
British Columbia | 75.6 | 67.3 | 65.2 | 60.9 |
Alberta | 71.7 | 68.2 | 66.8 | 64.6 |
Saskatchewan | 94.3 | 93.0 | 92.5 | 90.9 |
Manitoba | 87.1 | 83.7 | 80.2 | 77.4 |
Ontario | 73.4 | 70.2 | 67.6 | 66.4 |
Quebec | 67.0 | 62.8 | 58.0 | 55.5 |
New Brunswick | 87.5 | 85.1 | 83.1 | 81.6 |
Nova Scotia | 70.4 | 67.8 | 65.1 | 65.8 |
Prince Edward Island | 79.2 | 74.7 | 71.7 | 71.3 |
Newfoundland and Labrador | 90.6 | 89.4 | 90.9 | 81.2 |
All provinces | 73.8 | 69.8 | 66.9 | 64.8 |
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.2.11 Incumbent TSP residential and business local market share (%), by line for major centres
Province | Major centre | Residential lines | Business lines |
2011 | 2012 | 2011 | 2012 |
British Columbia | Vancouver | 61.1 | 56.5 | 62.8 | 62.3 |
Victoria | 48.5 | 45.1 | 66.1 | 61.6 |
Alberta | Calgary | 52.3 | 49.6 | 62.2 | 61.0 |
Edmonton | 58.8 | 56.1 | 64.7 | 62.2 |
Saskatchewan | Saskatoon | 76.8 | 72.7 | 96.1 | 94.2 |
Regina | 85.6 | 83.0 | 98.1 | 97.6 |
Manitoba | Winnipeg | 62.7 | 56.1 | 84.5 | 82.6 |
Ontario | Toronto | 57.9 | 55.4 | 72.9 | 75.9 |
Ottawa – Gatineau | 56.7 | 53.4 | 88.4 | 88.8 |
Hamilton | 54.8 | 50.9 | 75.0 | 75.1 |
London | 59.5 | 56.3 | 75.3 | 76.9 |
Kitchener – Waterloo | 56.9 | 53.8 | 76.3 | 76.7 |
St. Catharines – Niagara | 63.4 | 59.6 | 80.2 | 80.8 |
Windsor | 65.3 | 61.9 | 67.2 | 68.1 |
Oshawa | 53.8 | 52.1 | 83.9 | 86.4 |
Quebec | Montréal | 48.4 | 44.6 | 73.6 | 72.6 |
Québec | 39.9 | 38.0 | 69.5 | 68.2 |
New Brunswick | Fredericton | 72.9 | 72.4 | 99.5 | 99.6 |
Nova Scotia | Halifax | 45.6 | 48.8 | 76.0 | 75.6 |
Prince Edward Island | Charlottetown | 53.0 | 51.7 | 76.3 | 75.2 |
Newfoundland and Labrador | St. John's | 75.6 | 70.3 | 99.7 | 99.3 |
- Major centre boundaries are defined using Statistics Canada’s census metropolitan area and census agglomeration definitions.
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.2.5 Number of payphones per 1000 households
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.2.12 Large incumbent TSPs’ retail long distance revenue market share (%), by region
Region | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
B.C., Alberta | 73 | 74 | 68 | 74 | 75 |
Saskatchewan | 85 | 84 | 83 | 92 | 92 |
Manitoba | 83 | 81 | 78 | 84 | 83 |
Ontario, Quebec | 56 | 55 | 61 | 71 | 70 |
Atlantic | 81 | 80 | 81 | 83 | 83 |
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.2.13 Long distance retail revenues ($) per minute, by type of TSP
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR 2009 - 2012 |
Residential |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 0.100 | 0.092 | 0.089# | 0.088 | -4.3 % |
Annual growth % | -9.5 | -8.4 | -2.3 | -2.0 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 0.071 | 0.082 | 0.084 | 0.072 | 0.4% |
Annual growth % | 3.4 | 14.1 | 2.9 | -13.8 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs | 0.054 | 0.052 | 0.046 | 0.047 | -5.1% |
Annual growth % | -5.9 | -4.9 | -10.4 | 0.4 | |
Total residential | 0.077 | 0.072 | 0.068# | 0.067 | -4.5 % |
Annual growth % | -9.0 | -5.8 | -6.6 | -0.8 | |
Business |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 0.067 | 0.059 | 0.061# | 0.049 | -9.7% |
Annual growth % | 0.8 | -11.7 | 2.6 | -18.8 | |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 0.037 | 0.028 | 0.031# | 0.027 | -10.1% |
Annual growth % | -4.0 | -24.0 | 12.1 | -14.7 | |
Non-incumbent, alternative TSPs | 0.039 | 0.038 | 0.031 | 0.032 | -6.7% |
Annual growth % | -15.1 | -1.7 | -20.2 | 3.6 | |
Total business | 0.052 | 0.046 | 0.044# | 0.040 | -8.6 % |
Annual growth % | -4.0 | -11.0 | -4.7 | -10.0 | |
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.2.6 Fibre-based lines (FTTN and FTTP) as a percentage of total lines, 2012
Source: CRTC data collection
5.3 Internet market sector
Overview
Canadians were served by over 500 Internet service providers. Incumbent TSPs provided Internet services using mainly DSL, fibre-optic and dial-up facilities. Cable companies provided service mainly via cable modem and fibre-optic, facilities. Utility telcos, municipalities, and other TSPs provided Internet services using DSL, fibre-optic, satellite, fixed-wireless, and dial-up facilities. Resellers essentially rely on facilities-based TSPs to provide them with facilities on a wholesale basis. Resellers provided Internet access service, generally using leased DSL facilities and, to a lesser extent, cable-modem, and fibre-optic facilities.
This section presents revenue and demand quantities (i.e., number of Internet subscribers) generally over a five-year period to display the trends in the sector. Performance and technology indicators, such as ARPU and market share data, as well as plans and pricing data are also presented.
Internet sector and broadband availability at a glance
| 2011 | 2012 | % Growth |
Revenues ($ billions) | 7.2 | 7.6 | 5.9 |
Internet access and transport |
Residential | 4.9 | 5.4 | 9.1 |
Business | 1.2 | 1.2 | 0.7 |
Wholesale | 0.3 | 0.3 | 9.3 |
Other | 0.8 | 0.7 | -7.9 |
Residential subscribers (millions) | 10.7 | 11.0 | 3.0 |
Residential high-speed access revenues per subscriber per month | $38.79 | $41.05 | |
Internet access revenue market share |
Top five major ISPs (including affiliates) | 76% | 76% | |
Cable operators | 51% | 52% | |
ILECs (excluding out-of-territory) | 37% | 37% | |
Residential penetration: All speeds | 78% | 79% | |
High-speed | 76% | 78% | |
Broadband (1.5 Mbps and higher) | 72% | 75% | |
Broadband (5 Mbps and higher) | 54% | 62% | |
Average GB downloaded per month per residential subscriber | 17.9 | 28.4 | 56.2 |
Average GB uploaded per month per residential subscriber | 3.8 | 5.4 | 42.2 |
Monthly average residential high-speed service churn rate | 1.65% | 1.83% | |
Monthly average business high-speed service churn rate | 1.57% | 2.49% | |
- Rural is defined as areas with a density of fewer than 400 people per square kilometre, or population centres with fewer than 1,000 people.
- The top five major ISPs are Bell Canada, Quebecor, Rogers, Shaw and TCC.
- Churn rate is a measure of subscriber turnover, expressed as an average annual percentage. It is derived by dividing the number of subscribers that have left by the total number of Internet subscribers.
Source: CRTC data collection
Statistical information – Internet market sector
a) Industry revenues
Table 5.3.1 Internet revenues, by type of service ($ millions)
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | Growth 2011-2012 | CAGR 2008-2012 |
Residential | Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) |
Dial-up | 116 | 92 | 64 | 46 | 30 | -34.1% | -28.5% |
High-speed | 1,406 | 1,506 | 1,588 | 1,732 | 1,860 | 7.4% | 7.2% |
Total | 1,522 | 1,598 | 1,652 | 1,778 | 1,890 | 6.3% | 5.6% |
Cable BDUs |
Dial-up | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | -32.4% | -32.2% |
High-speed | 2,129 | 2,419 | 2,572 | 2,811 | 3,065 | 9.0% | 9.5% |
Total | 2,131 | 2,420 | 2,573 | 2,811 | 3,065 | 9.0% | 9.5% |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) plus cable BDUs |
Dial-up | 118 | 93 | 65 | 47 | 31 | -34.1% | -28.6% |
High-speed | 3,535 | 3,925 | 4,160 | 4,543 | 4,925 | 8.4% | 8.6% |
Total | 3,654 | 4,018 | 4,225 | 4,590 | 4,956 | 8.0% | 7.9% |
Other TSPs |
Dial-up | 71 | 48 | 31 | 23 | 12 | -44.8% | -35.2% |
High-speed | 175 | 219 | 282 | 310 | 400 | 29.0% | 23.0% |
Total | 245 | 267 | 313 | 332 | 413 | 24.0% | 13.9% |
Total of the above |
Dial-up | 189 | 141 | 96 | 69 | 43 | -37.6% | -30.8% |
High-speed | 3,710 | 4,144 | 4,442 | 4,853 | 5,325 | 9.7% | 9.5% |
Residential total | 3,899 | 4,285 | 4,538 | 4,923 | 5,369 | 9.1% | 8.3% |
Business | Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 457 | 444 | 478 | 481 | 499 | 3.6% | 2.2% |
Cable BDUs | 201 | 227 | 284 | 309 | 273 | -11.4% | 8.0% |
Total | 657 | 671 | 762 | 790 | 772 | -2.3% | 4.1% |
Other TSPs |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 98 | 93 | 81 | 81 | 81 | -0.1% | -4.7% |
Resellers, utility telcos, and other carriers | 241 | 255 | 282 | 272 | 285 | 4.9% | 4.2% |
Total | 339 | 348 | 364 | 353 | 366 | 3.7% | 1.9% |
Business access total | 997 | 1,019 | 1,125 | 1,142 | 1,138 | -0.4% | 3.4% |
Business transport total | 76 | 67 | 77 | 521 | 651 | 25.0% | -4.0% |
Business total | 1,073 | 1,086 | 1,202 | 1,194 | 1,202 | 0.7% | 2.9% |
Wholesale access | Higher capacity access and transport | 54 | 48 | 42 | 53 | 45 | -15.7% | -4.5% |
Lower capacity access | 161 | 213 | 218 | 266 | 303 | 14.2% | 17.1% |
Wholesale total | 215 | 261 | 260 | 319 | 348 | 9.3% | 12.8% |
Other | Applications, equipment, and other Internet-related services | 939 | 868 | 772 | 766 | 706 | -7.9% | -6.9% |
Grand total | 6,126 | 6,499 | 6,772 | 7,202 | 7,625 | 5.9% | 5.6% |
- Wholesale Internet access and transport services are generally sold to ISPs. ISPs use these services to provide Internet access service to their retail customers. Sales to non‑ISP entities, such as VoIP service providers, are included in the wholesale revenues presented in Table 5.3.1 as “Higher capacity access and transport” revenues.
- “Lower capacity access” includes services such as Bell Canada's GAS, TCC's VPOP, DSL, and cable BDU-provided TPIA service, as well as satellite capacity and dial‑up bundled with Internet access sold to ISPs.
- In previous years, modem rental fees for residential service were included with Internet access service revenues. However, the fees are no longer included as of 2008. In 2008, the fees were approximately $121 million.
1. Due to changes in company reporting, the business transport totals in 2011 and 2012 are not comparable to previous years.
Source: CRTC data collection
b) Subscriber data
Table 5.3.2 Residential Internet subscribers, by type of TSP (thousands)
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR
2008-2012 |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) |
Dial-up | 433 | 286 | 210 | 137 | 97 | -31.1% |
Annual growth (%) | -23.5 | -33.9 | -26.6 | -34.9 | -28.8 | |
Share of total dial-up (%) | 59.1 | 58.8 | 57.3 | 55.5 | 53.2 | |
High-speed | 3,584 | 3,673 | 3,762 | 3,874 | 4,014 | 2.9% |
Annual growth (%) | 5.3 | 2.5 | 2.4 | 3.0 | 3.6 | |
Share of total high-speed (%) | 39.5 | 38.4 | 37.6 | 37.2 | 37.1 | |
Total | 4,017 | 3,959 | 3,972 | 4,011 | 4,111 | 0.6% |
Annual growth (%) | 1.2 | -1.4 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 2.5 | |
Share of total (%) | 40.9 | 39.3 | 38.3 | 37.6 | 37.4 | |
Cable BDUs |
Dial-up | 18 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 6 | -22.9% |
Annual growth (%) | 1.9 | -24.4 | -23.0 | -28.9 | -14.6 | |
Share of total dial-up (%) | 2.4 | 2.8 | 2.8 | 3.0 | 3.5 | |
High-speed | 4,990 | 5,358 | 5,642 | 5,839 | 5,925 | 4.4% |
Annual growth (%) | 9.1 | 7.4 | 5.3 | 3.5 | 1.5 | |
Share of total high-speed (%) | 55.0 | 56.0 | 56.4 | 56.0 | 54.8 | |
Total | 5,008 | 5,372 | 5,653 | 5,846 | 5,932 | 4.3% |
Annual growth (%) | 9.1 | 7.3 | 5.2 | 3.4 | 1.5 | |
Share of total (%) | 51.1 | 53.4 | 54.5 | 54.8 | 54.0 | |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) plus cable BDUs total |
Dial-up | 451 | 299 | 220 | 144 | 104 | -30.8% |
Annual growth (%) | -22.8 | -33.6 | -26.5 | -34.6 | -28.1 | |
Share of total dial-up (%) | 61.6 | 61.6 | 60.1 | 58.5 | 56.6 | |
High-speed | 8,574 | 9,031 | 9,404 | 9,713 | 9,939 | 3.8% |
Annual growth (%) | 7.5 | 5.3 | 4.1 | 3.3 | 2.3 | |
Share of total high-speed (%) | 94.5 | 94.3 | 94.0 | 93.2 | 91.9 | |
Total | 9,024 | 9,331 | 9,625 | 9,857 | 10,043 | 2.7% |
Annual growth (%) | 5.4 | 3.4 | 3.1 | 2.4 | 1.9 | |
Share of total (%) | 92.0 | 92.7 | 92.8 | 92.4 | 91.4 | |
Other TSPs |
Dial-up | 281 | 187 | 146 | 102 | 79 | -27.1% |
Annual growth (%) | -19.7 | -33.6 | -21.7 | -30.1 | -22.3 | |
Share of total dial-up (%) | 38.4 | 38.4 | 39.9 | 41.5 | 43.4 | |
High-speed | 503 | 545 | 604 | 712 | 870 | 14.7% |
Annual growth (%) | 32.9 | 8.2 | 10.8 | 18.0 | 22.1 | |
Share of total high-speed (%) | 5.5 | 5.7 | 6.0 | 6.8 | 8.1 | |
Total | 785 | 731 | 750 | 815 | 950 | 4.9% |
Annual growth (%) | 32.9 | 8.2 | 2.5 | 8.6 | 16.6 | |
Share of total (%) | 8.0 | 7.3 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 8.6 | |
Dial-up | 732 | 486 | 366 | 246 | 183 | -29.3% |
Annual growth (%) | -21.6 | -33.6 | -24.6 | -32.8 | -25.7 | |
Share of total (%) | 7.5 | 4.8 | 3.5 | 2.3 | 1.7 | |
High-speed | 9,077 | 9,576 | 10,008 | 10,426 | 10,809 | 4.5% |
Annual growth (%) | 8.6 | 5.5 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 3.7 | |
Share of total (%) | 92.5 | 95.2 | 96.5 | 97.7 | 98.3 | |
Grand total | 9,809 | 10,062 | 10,375 | 10,672 | 10,992 | 2.9% |
Annual growth (%) | 5.6 | 2.6 | 3.1 | 2.9 | 3.0 | |
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.3.3 Number of business Internet access subscriptions, by type of TSP (thousands)
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR 2008-2012 |
Dial-up | 138 | 113 | 84 | 72 | 61 | -18.3% |
Annual growth (%) | | -18.1 | -26.0 | -13.5 | -15.2 | |
High-speed |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 431 | 431 | 447 | 452 | 444 | 0.8% |
Annual growth (%) | | 0.0 | 3.6 | 1.3 | -1.8 | |
Share of total high-speed (%) | 56.3 | 55.5 | 55.2 | 52.8 | 50.4 | |
Cable BDUs | 157 | 176 | 199 | 232 | 268 | 14.2% |
Annual growth (%) | | 12.0 | 13.3 | 16.6 | 15.1 | |
Share of total high-speed (%) | 20.5 | 22.6 | 24.6 | 27.1 | 30.4 | |
Total | 588 | 607 | 646 | 685 | 712 | 4.7% |
Annual growth (%) | | 3.2 | 6.5 | 6.0 | 3.9 | |
Share of total high-speed (%) | 76.9 | 78.1 | 79.8 | 80.0 | 80.8 | |
Other TSPs |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 15 | 12 | 11 | 19 | 19 | 5.2% |
Annual growth (%) | | -21.3 | -8.2 | 76.5 | -3.9 | |
Share of total high-speed (%) | 2.0 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 2.3 | 2.1 | |
Resellers, utility telcos and other carriers | 162 | 158 | 152 | 152 | 150 | -1.9% |
Annual growth (%) | | -2.3 | -3.8 | -0.2 | -1.1 | |
Share of total high-speed (%) | 21.2 | 20.4 | 18.8 | 17.7 | 17.1 | |
Total | 177 | 170 | 163 | 171 | 169 | -1.2% |
Annual growth (%) | | -3.9 | -4.1 | 5.0 | -1.4 | |
Share of total high-speed (%) | 23.1 | 21.9 | 20.2 | 20.0 | 19.2 | |
Total high-speed | 765 | 777 | 809 | 856 | 881 | 3.6% |
Annual growth (%) | | 1.5 | 4.1 | 5.8 | 2.8 | |
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.3.1 Broadband subscriptions - Incumbent TSP v. Cable BDU
Source: CRTC data collection
c) Plans and pricing
Figure 5.3.2 High-speed residential subscribers by GB downloadable capacity
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.3.4 Residential Internet speeds and pricing
Downstream Speed | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
One-month revenue (%) |
Lite and wideband up to 256 Kbps | 2.9 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.3 |
Wideband 300 to 1400 Kbps | 15.1 | 8.6 | 4.3 | 3.6 | 1.9 |
Broadband |
1.5 to 4 Mbps | 17.3 | 20.9 | 20.9 | 20.3 | 16.7 |
5 to 9 Mbps | 53.6 | 46.5 | 49.1 | 47.0 | 42.0 |
10 to 15 Mbps | 10.8 | 22.4 | 22.8 | 16.5 | 9.4 |
16 Mbps and higher | 0.3 | 1.0 | 2.7 | 12.3 | 29.7 |
16 to 49 Mbps | - | - | 2.4 | 11.8 | 24.6 |
50 Mbps and higher | - | - | 0.3 | 0.6 | 5.1 |
Total sample | 306.4 | 320.7 | 350.0 | 375.7 | 418.0 |
Subscribers (%) |
Lite and wideband up to 256 Kbps | 4.3 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.3 |
Wideband 300 to 1400 Kbps | 19.8 | 12.2 | 5.8 | 4.3 | 2.6 |
Broadband |
1.5 to 4 Mbps | 17.0 | 24.5 | 24.2 | 24.6 | 17.7 |
5 to 9 Mbps | 50.1 | 42.6 | 45.3 | 45.6 | 41.6 |
10 to 15 Mbps | 8.6 | 19.0 | 22.4 | 15.6 | 10.2 |
16 Mbps and higher | 0.2 | 0.6 | 2.0 | 9.5 | 27.6 |
16 to 49 Mbps | - | - | 1.8 | 9.2 | 23.9 |
50 Mbps and higher | - | - | 0.2 | 0.3 | 3.7 |
Total sample | 8,184.4 | 8,516.8 | 8,983.1 | 9,440.3 | 9,618.4 |
ARPU |
Lite and wideband up to 256 Kbps | $24.86 | $19.55 | $25.18 | $33.86 | $35.97 |
Wideband 300 to 1400 Kbps | $28.57 | $26.84 | $28.87 | $33.03 | $30.96 |
Broadband |
1.5 to 4 Mbps | $38.22 | $32.46 | $33.57 | $32.87 | $40.78 |
5 to 9 Mbps | $40.00 | $41.14 | $42.23 | $40.97 | $43.97 |
10 to 15 Mbps | $47.06 | $44.43 | $39.67 | $42.11 | $40.34 |
16 Mbps and higher | $63.06 | $65.08 | $53.71 | $51.63 | $46.83 |
16 to 49 Mbps | - | - | $51.66 | $50.76 | $44.85 |
50 Mbps and higher | - | - | $75.80 | $78.06 | $59.69 |
Total sample | $37.44 | $37.80 | $38.96 | $39.80 | $43.46 |
Weighted-average upload speed (Kbps) |
Lite and wideband up to 256 Kbps | 131 | 152 | 209 | 178 | 168 |
Wideband 300 to 1400 Kbps | 286 | 267 | 352 | 314 | 303 |
Broadband |
1.5 to 4 Mbps | 809 | 656 | 584 | 666 | 652 |
5 to 9 Mbps | 744 | 723 | 870 | 855 | 1,122 |
10 to 15 Mbps | 862 | 751 | 797 | 876 | 2,527 |
16 Mbps and higher | 1,120 | 1,085 | 1,735 | 2,693 | 4,291 |
16 to 49 Mbps | - | - | 1,661 | 2,662 | 2,912 |
50 Mbps and higher | - | - | 2,529 | 3,667 | 13,199 |
Total sample | 649 | 652 | 769 | 961 | 2,031 |
Weighted-average download speed | 4,928 | 5,945 | 7,060 | 8,238 | 12,796 |
Weighted-average upload/download limit (GB) |
Lite and wideband up to 256 Kbps | 8.50 | 11.75 | - | - | - |
Wideband 300 to 1400 Kbps | 8.75 | 3.04 | 7.20 | 14.9 | 17.75 |
Broadband |
1.5 to 4 Mbps | 43.25 | 32.20 | 22.13 | 69.06 | 98.34 |
5 to 9 Mbps | 54.18 | 42.80 | 45.27 | 80.81 | 77.33 |
10 to 15 Mbps | 80.81 | 69.53 | 74.28 | 74.22 | 107.18 |
16 Mbps and higher | 101.91 | 104.14 | 112.94 | 179.58 | 160.23 |
16 to 49 Mbps | - | - | 108.25 | 176.98 | 131.50 |
50 Mbps and higher | - | - | 163.22 | 236.54 | 364.80 |
Total sample | 42.34 | 40.32 | 45.04 | 81.11 | 104.90 |
- Weighted-average download limits are calculated only for those plans that have limits.
- All data excludes terminal rental revenues.
Source: CRTC data collection
d) Performance and technology indicators
Figure 5.3.3 Internet access revenue shares, by type of of ISP, 2012
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.3.4 Business Internet access revenues, by access technology, 2008 v. 2012
- Other” includes the remaining technologies, such as, but not limited to, ISDN, fixed wireless, and satellite technologies.
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.3.5 Residential Internet access technology mix, 2008 v. 2012
Source: CRTC data collection
5.4 Data and private line market sector
Overview
The data and private line services are sold to business customers. Examples of data services include Ethernet and IP, as well as, legacy services such as X.25, ATM and Frame Relay. Examples of private line service are OC-3 and DS-1. Data and private line services are also provided to other TSPs, on a wholesale basis, for inclusion in their network in the provision of service to their retail customers or for resale purposes.
Canadian businesses were served by approximately 150 entities offering data and private line services in 2012. Of these, incumbent TSPs accounted for approximately 20%, and alternative TSPs, such as cable BDUs, utility telcos, and resellers, accounted for the remaining 80%.
This section presents revenue details generally over a five-year period to display the trends in the data and private line market sector. Performance and technology indicators, such as market share data and technology trends are also presented.
Data and private line sector at a glance
| 2011 | 2012 | % Growth |
Revenues ($ billions) | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.1 |
Data | 3.0 | 3.2 | 6.2 |
Private line | 1.5 | 1.5 | 0.0 |
Data revenues as a percentage of total | 66.7% | 68.0% | |
Private line revenues as a percentage of total | 33.3% | 32.0% | |
New data protocols |
Revenues ($ billions) | 2.1 | 2.2 | 7.1 |
Percentage of total data protocol revenues | 93.5% | 95.6% | |
Data and private line revenue market share |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 69% | 65% | |
Forborne services |
Percentage of data revenues from forborne data services | 91% | 91% | |
Percentage of private line revenues from forborne private line services | 67% | 69% | |
Number of forborne private line routes | 5,108 | 5,394 | 5.6 |
Source: CRTC data collection
Data and private line market sector – Statistical information
a) Industry revenues
Table 5.4.1 Data and private line revenues ($ millions)
Data | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR 2008-2012 |
Data protocols | 1,890 | 2,020 | 2,055 | 2,209 | 2,313 | 5.2% |
Percentage growth | 6.9 | 6.8 | 1.8 | 7.5 | 4.7 | |
Other | 723 | 658 | 723 | 770 | 851 | 4.1% |
Percentage growth | 2.8 | -9.0 | 9.8 | 6.6 | 10.4 | |
Total data and other | 2,614 | 2,678 | 2,778 | 2,979 | 3,164 | 4.9% |
Percentage growth | 5.7 | 2.5 | 3.7 | 7.2 | 6.2 | |
Private line | 1,722 | 1,636 | 1,536 | 1,488 | 1,488 | -3.6% |
Percentage growth | 2.5 | -5.0 | -6.1 | -3.1 | 0.0 | |
Total data and private line | 4,336 | 4,313 | 4,314 | 4,467 | 4,652 | 1.8% |
Percentage growth | 4.4 | -0.5 | 0.0 | 3.5 | 4.1 | |
- Data services are classified into one of three categories: (1) legacy data protocols such as X.25, ATM, and frame relay; (2) newer protocols such as Ethernet and IP-VPN, and other protocols including managed services where specific protocols cannot be separated; and (3) other services such as network management and networking equipment.
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.4.2 Data protocol revenues, by service category ($ millions)
New protocols | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR 2008-2012 |
Retail |
Ethernet | 520.7 | 482.3 | 451.4 | 478.6 | 482.7 | -1.9% |
Percentage growth | 6.6 | -7.4 | -6.4 | 6.0 | 0.9 | |
IP | 710.1 | 870.8 | 995.9 | 1,124.4 | 1,189.7 | 13.8% |
Percentage growth | 32.7 | 22.6 | 14.4 | 12.9 | 5.8 | |
Other | 77.5 | 126.4 | 118.9 | 125.9 | 154.0 | 18.7% |
Percentage growth | -25.4 | 63.0 | -5.9 | 5.7 | 22.3 | |
Total retail | 1,308.4 | 1,479.5 | 1,566.2 | 1,728.9 | 1,826.4 | 8.7% |
Percentage growth | 16.0 | 13.1 | 5.9 | 10.4 | 5.6 | |
Wholesale |
Ethernet | 122.4 | 173.2 | 196.8 | 221.3 | 225.4 | 16.5% |
Percentage growth | 36.0 | 41.5 | 13.7 | 12.4 | 1.8 | |
IP | 17.4 | 11.8 | 41.7 | 68.8 | 98.5 | 54.2% |
Percentage growth | 54.6 | -32.3 | 253.5 | 65.0 | 43.2 | |
Other | 37.5 | 35.1 | 35.0 | 45.4 | 61.3 | 13.2% |
Percentage growth | -39.8 | -6.4 | -0.3 | 29.2 | 35.2 | |
Total wholesale | 177.4 | 220.1 | 273.6 | 335.4 | 385.2 | 21.4% |
Percentage growth | 8.4 | 24.1 | 24.3 | 22.6 | 14.8 | |
Total new protocols | 1,485.7 | 1,699.7 | 1,839.8 | 2,064.4 | 2,211.6 | 10.5% |
Percentage growth | 15.1 | 14.4 | 8.2 | 12.2 | 7.1 | |
Legacy protocols |
Retail | 343.8 | 264.2 | 173.6 | 103.6 | 67.1 | -33.5% |
Percentage growth | -17.2 | -23.2 | -34.3 | -40.3 | -35.3 | |
Wholesale | 60.7 | 55.7 | 41.5 | 40.6 | 34.7 | -13.0% |
Percentage growth | -2.6 | -8.3 | -25.4 | -2.2 | -14.5 | |
Total legacy | 404.6 | 319.9 | 215.2 | 144.2 | 101.8 | -29.2% |
Percentage growth | -15.3 | -20.9 | -32.7 | -33.0 | -29.4 | |
Total data protocols | 1,890.3 | 2,019.5 | 2,055.0 | 2,208.6 | 2,313.4 | 5.2% |
Percentage growth | 6.9 | 6.8 | 1.8 | 7.5 | 4.7 | |
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.4.3 Private line revenues, by service category ($ millions)
Private line | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR 2008-2012 |
Retail | 894 | 843 | 807 | 751 | 793 | -2.9% |
Percentage growth | -11.2 | -5.7 | -4.2 | -7.0 | 5.6 | |
Wholesale | 828 | 793 | 729 | 737 | 695 | -4.9% |
Percentage growth | 22.9 | -4.3 | -8.0 | 1.1 | -5.7 | |
Total private line | 1,722 | 1,636 | 1,536 | 1,488 | 1,488 | -3.6% |
Percentage growth | 2.5 | -5.0 | -6.1 | -3.1 | 0.0 | |
Source: CRTC data collection
b) Performance and technology indicators
Figure 5.4.1 Data and private line revenue market share, by type of TSP
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.4.2 Data revenue market share, by type of TSP
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.4.4 Data protocol revenue market share, by service category (%)
| 2008 | 2009 | 20101 | 20111 | 2012 |
New data |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 53 | 55 | 59 | 55 # | 55 |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 19 | 19 | 17 | 18 # | 16 |
Non-incumbent alternative TSPs | 28 | 26 | 24 | 27 | 29 |
Legacy data |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 60 | 59 | 62 | 68 | 66 |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 13 | 12 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
Non-incumbent alternative TSPs | 26 | 29 | 31 | 26 | 28 |
Total data protocols |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 55 | 56 | 59 | 56 # | 56 |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 17 | 17 | 16 | 17 # | 16 |
Non-incumbent alternative TSPs | 28 | 27 | 25 | 26 | 29 |
- Due to changes in company reporting in both 2010 and 2011, incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) results are not consistent with previous years. In addition, Other Protocols were not separately reported for incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) before 2010. This had less than a 2% impact on the results in 2010.
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.4.5 Private line – revenue market share (%)
| 2008 | 2009 | 20101 | 20111 | 2012 |
Incumbent TSPs (excluding out-of-territory) | 74 | 76 | 80 | 80 # | 77 |
Incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) | 16 | 14 | 10 | 9 # | 8 |
Non-incumbent alternative TSPs2 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 14 |
- Due to changes in company reporting in both 2010 and 2011, incumbent TSPs (out-of-territory) results are not consistent with previous years.
- Due to new reporting by non-incumbent alternative TSPs, 2012 results may not be comparable to previous years.
Source: CRTC data collection
5.5 Wireless market sector
Wireless networks cover approximately 20% of Canada’s geographic area and are available to 99% of Canadians. The advanced wireless network that supports handsets such as smartphones and turbo sticks is available to 99% of Canadians. The LTE network is available to approximately 72% of Canadians. Canadians’ expenditure on wireless services constitutes the largest component (51%) of their expenditure on telecommunications services.
Canadians are served by three large facilities-based national WSPs, a number of smaller regional facilities-based WSPs, and a small number of MVNOs.
A number of new facilities-based WSPs have entered the wireless market sector. Mobile services provided by these new WSPs are accessible to 58% of Canadians.
This section presents revenue and subscriber details, generally over a five-year period to display the trends in the sector. Performance and technology indicators, such as ARPU, penetration and market share data, as well as broadband and coverage data are also presented.
Wireless market sector at a glance
| 2011 | 2012 | % growth |
Revenues ($ billions) | 19.1 | 20.4 | 6.5 |
Number of subscribers (millions) | 27.4 | 27.9 | 1.8 |
ARPU per month, excluding paging | $57.98 | $60.71 | 4.7 |
ARPM, excluding paging | $0.10 | $0.09 | -8.5 |
Wireless capex as a percentage of total telecom capex | 24% | 26% | |
Average capex per user per month | $7.06 | $7.56 | 7.2 |
Wireless availability, percent of population | 99 | 99 | nil |
3G availability (percent of population) | 99 | 99 | nil |
HSPA+ broadband availability (percent of population) | 99 | 99 | nil |
LTE broadband availability (percent of population) | 45 | 72 | 61.0 |
Wireless penetration (percent of households) | 79.4 | n/a | |
Wireless only penetration (percent of households) | 12.8 | n/a | |
Sources: CRTC data collection and Statistics Canada
Wireless sector – Statistical information
a) Revenue and subscriber data
Table 5.5.1 Wireless and paging revenues and number of subscribers
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR 2008-2012 |
Revenues
($ millions) | Wireless | 15,940.3 | 16,804.0 | 17,931.2 | 19,056.3 | 20,316.6 | 6.3% |
Annual growth | 10.5% | 5.4% | 6.7% | 6.3% | 6.6% | |
Paging | 96.1 | 89.2 | 71.9 | 67.1 | 50.2 | -15.0% |
Annual growth | 3.5% | -7.2% | -19.5% | -6.6% | -25.1% | |
Total revenues | 16,036.4 | 16,893.2 | 18,003.0 | 19,123.4 | 20,366.8 | 6.2% |
Annual growth | 10.4% | 5.3% | 6.6% | 6.2% | 6.5% | |
Subscribers (thousands) | Wireless | 22,092.5 | 23,811.9 | 25,825.4 | 27,387.2 | 27,888.0 | 6.0% |
Annual growth | 9.0% | 7.8% | 8.5% | 6.0% | 1.8% | |
Paging | 319.3 | 253.6 | 241.3 | 219.0 | 187.4 | -12.5% |
Annual growth | -18.2% | -20.6% | -4.8% | -9.3% | -14.4% | |
ARPU ($/month) | Wireless | 60.1 | 58.8 | 57.9 | 58.0 | 60.7 | |
Annual growth | 1.3% | -2.2% | -1.5% | 0.2% | 4.7% | |
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.5.1 Wireless revenue and subscriber growth rates
(excluding paging)
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.5.2 Wireless and paging revenue components ($ millions)
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR 2008-2012 |
Basic voice | 10,481.9 | 10,323.5 | 10,343.7 | 9,855.5 | 9,510.9 | -2.4% |
Annual growth | 3.6% | -1.5% | 0.2% | -4.7% | -3.5% | |
Long distance | 1,224.0 | 1,204.9 | 1,276.5 | 1,289.5 | 1,257.8 | 0.7% |
Annual growth | 13.8% | -1.6% | 5.9% | 1.0% | -2.5% | |
Paging | 96.1 | 89.2 | 71.9 | 67.1 | 50.2 | -15.0% |
Annual growth | 3.5% | -7.2% | -19.5% | -6.6% | -25.1% | |
Terminal equipment and handheld devices | 803.0 | 1,106.3 | 1,171.8 | 1,419.3 | 1,556.7 | 18.0% |
Annual growth | 14.8% | 37.8% | 5.9% | 21.1% | 9.7% | |
Data and other | Data | n.a | n/a | 3,885.7 | 5,066.4 | 6,257.9 | n/a |
Annual growth | | | | 30.4% | 23.5% | |
Roaming (Voice) | n.a | n/a | 776.1 | 830.9 | 799.0 | n/a |
Roaming (Data) | n.a | n/a | 390.6 | 525.3 | 784.6 | n/a |
Subtotal | n.a | n/a | 1,166.7 | 1,356.2 | 1,583.6 | n/a |
Annual growth | | | | 16.2% | 16.8% | |
Other | n.a | n/a | 86.9 | 69.3 | 149.7 | n/a |
Total data, roaming and other | 3,431.4 | 4,169.2 | 5,139.3 | 6,491.9 | 7,991.2 | 23.5% |
Annual growth | 35.2% | 21.5% | 23.3% | 26.3% | 23.1% | |
Total | 16,036.4 | 16,893.2 | 18,003.0 | 19,123.4 | 20,366.8 | 6.2% |
Annual growth | 10.4% | 5.3% | 6.6% | 6.2% | 6.5% | |
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.5.3 Prepaid and post-paid wireless revenues (basic voice and long distance) ($ millions)
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | CAGR 2008-2012 |
Prepaid | 912.9 | 846.4 | 851.5 | 777.2 | 664.3 | -7.6% |
Annual growth | -2.3% | -7.3% | 0.6% | -8.7% | -14.5% | |
Post-paid | 10,745.7 | 10,610.6 | 10,768.7 | 10,317.1 | 10,065.9 | -1.6% |
Annual growth | 5.2% | -1.3% | 1.5% | -4.2% | -2.4% | |
Total | 11,658.6 | 11,456.9 | 11,620.2 | 11,094.3 | 10,730.2 | -2.1% |
Annual growth | 4.6% | -1.7% | 1.4% | -4.5% | -3.3% | |
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.5.4 Number of post-paid subscribers as a percentage of total wireless subscribers
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
Post-paid | 78 | 79 | 79 | 78 | 81 |
Source: CRTC data collection
b) Capital expenditures and wholesale revenue data
Figure 5.5.2 Wireless Capex and ACEPU
- Globalive, Public Mobile and Data & Audio expenditures were excluded due to insufficient data.
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.5.3 Wireless retail and wholesale revenues, 2012
Source: CRTC data collection
c) Performance and technology indicators
Figure 5.5.4 TSPs’ wireless subscriber market share
- Other” includes MTS Allstream, SaskTel, and smaller WSPs.
- “Bell Group” includes Bell Canada, Northwestel Mobility, Bell Mobility, Télébec, NorthernTel, Skyterra, Virgin Mobile, and Latitude Wireless.
- “New entrants” refers to the new wireless entities that acquired spectrum in Industry Canada’s 2008 AWS spectrum auction.
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.5.5 TSPs’ wireless revenue market share
- “Other” includes MTS Allstream, SaskTel, and smaller WSPs
- “Bell Group” includes Bell Canada, Northwestel Mobility, Bell Mobility, Télébec, NorthernTel, Skyterra, Virgin Mobile, and Latitude Wireless.
- “New entrants” refers to the new wireless entities that acquired spectrum in Industry Canada’s 2008 AWS spectrum auction.
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.5.5 Wireless subscriber market share, by province, 2012 (%)
Province | Bell Group2 | TCC | Rogers | New entrants3 | Other1 |
British Columbia | 18 | 40 | 39 | 3 | 0 |
Alberta | 23 | 50 | 24 | 3 | 0 |
Saskatchewan | 10 | 10 | 9 | 0 | 71 |
Manitoba | 5 | 9 | 33 | 0 | 53 |
Ontario | 28 | 20 | 44 | 6 | 1 |
Quebec | 33 | 28 | 29 | 10 | 0 |
New Brunswick | 58 | 23 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
Nova Scotia | 54 | 29 | 16 | 0 | 0 |
Prince Edward Island | 58 | 27 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
Newfoundland and Labrador | 73 | 25 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
The North4 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
- “Other” includes MTS Allstream, SaskTel, and smaller WSPs.
- “Bell Group” includes Bell Canada, Northwestel Mobility, Bell Mobility, Télébec, NorthernTel, SkyTerra, Virgin, and Latitude Wireless.
- “New entrants” refers to the new wireless entities that acquired spectrum in Industry Canada’s 2008 AWS spectrum auction.
- The North includes Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.5.6 Advanced handheld devices, by province, 2012
Province | Number of
advanced
handheld devices | Percentage of
total handheld
devices |
British Columbia | 2,002,719 | 13 |
Alberta | 2,066,054 | 14 |
Saskatchewan | 734,314 | 5 |
Manitoba | 730,018 | 5 |
Ontario | 5,659,999 | 38 |
Quebec | 2,884,597 | 19 |
New Brunswick | 258,440 | 2 |
Nova Scotia | 348,422 | 2 |
Prince Edward Island | 48,210 | 0 |
Newfoundland and Labrador | 187,908 | 1 |
The North1 | 4,660 | 0 |
- The North includes Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.5.7 Wireless ARPU, by province (excluding paging)
Province | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
British Columbia | $63.53 | $60.88 | $60.45 | $62.78 | $63.56 |
Alberta | $75.26 | $70.28 | $69.58 | $74.96 | $73.50 |
Saskatchewan | $57.66 | $58.11 | $62.93 | $57.14 | $63.30 |
Manitoba | $57.05 | $52.88 | $54.51 | $55.73 | $59.31 |
Ontario | $60.61 | $62.75 | $58.72 | $56.76 | $61.87 |
Quebec | $50.45 | $52.15 | $49.98 | $50.36 | $51.95 |
New Brunswick | $50.00 | $51.08 | $52.03 | $54.19 | $55.32 |
Nova Scotia | $52.57 | $52.70 | $54.72 | $56.34 | $58.94 |
Prince Edward Island | $64.89 | $56.18 | $48.43 | $52.33 | $53.08 |
Newfoundland and Labrador | $47.43 | $48.22 | $50.45 | $55.40 | $59.69 |
The North1 | n/a | n/a | $111.41 | $97.10 | $83.62 |
1. The North includes Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.5.8 Wireless average monthly churn rates (percentage)
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 |
Bell Mobility | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 1.7 |
Rogers | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.8 |
TCC | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.5 |
- Churn rate is a measure of subscriber turnover, expressed as an average annual rate. It is derived by dividing the number of subscribers that have left by the total number of wireless subscribers.
Sources: Companies’ annual reports and CRTC data collection
Figure 5.5.6 Mobile data-only plan1 revenues, subscribers, and monthly ARPU, by data plan capacity, 2012
ARPU per month ($)
Capacity | Less than
501 MB | Between
501 MB and 2 GB | Greater than
2 GB |
2011 | 39 | 58 | 75 |
2012 | 41 | 48 | 77 |
1. Data-only plans include built-in and portable access devices such as hubs, sticks, dongles, laptops, etc.
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.5.7 Total number of MMS and SMS messages
- The number of MMS and SMS messages includes both incoming and outgoing messages.
- Northwestel, NorthernTel, Télébec and Telus were unable to provide data details.
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.5.9 Mobile broadband subscribers
| 2011 | 2012 | %
growth |
Standard mobile broadband |
Number of subscribers (millions) | 12.0 | 13.0 | 8.3 |
Percentage of all subscribers | 44% | 47% | |
Dedicated mobile |
Number of subscribers (millions) | 1.2 | 1.3 | 8.3 |
Percentage of all subscribers | 4% | 5% | |
Total mobile broadband |
Number of subscribers (millions) | 13.2 | 14.3 | 8.3 |
Percentage of all subscribers | 48% | 52% | |
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.5.8 Percent of mobile revenues, voice v. standard broadband v. dedicated broadband, 2012
- “Standard mobile broadband” refers to subscribers who own smartphones, rocket hubs, or regular cell phones with a subscription to a data and voice plan. Standard mobile broadband includes BlackBerry (BB) plans (BB unlimited social networking, BB unlimited email, BB regular bucket-based data plans, and non-BB regular based data plans). Excluded are mobile phone plans with browsing only.
- “Dedicated mobile broadband” refers to subscribers with subscriptions to dedicated data services over a mobile network. These subscriptions are purchased separately from voice services, either as a stand-alone service (modem/dongle) or as an add-on data package to voice services, which requires an additional subscription.
Source: CRTC data collection
d) Coverage / availability details
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.5.9 Wireless coverage, penetration, and ARPU by province, 2012
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.5.10 Wireless coverage, penetration, and ARPU, by province, 2012
| Coverage (%) | Penetration rate (%) | ARPU ($/month) |
wireless | HSPA+ | LTE |
British Columbia | 99.0 | 98.8 | 87.0 | 81.5 | 63.56 |
Alberta | 99.8 | 99.8 | 82.0 | 98.2 | 73.50 |
Saskatchewan | 99.3 | 97.8 | 37.8 | 78.8 | 63.30 |
Manitoba | 98.4 | 97.5 | 61.1 | 74.1 | 59.31 |
Ontario | 99.8 | 99.7 | 77.5 | 80.3 | 61.87 |
Quebec | 99.3 | 98.9 | 70.1 | 66.8 | 51.95 |
New Brunswick | 99.7 | 99.6 | 15.7 | 70.7 | 55.32 |
Nova Scotia | 99.8 | 99.7 | 37.3 | 75.1 | 58.94 |
Prince Edward Island | 99.9 | 99.9 | 0.0 | 71.9 | 53.08 |
Newfoundland and Labrador | 96.4 | 96.0 | 30.0 | 76.8 | 59.69 |
The North | 70.4 | 51.9 | 36.7 | 9.7 | 83.62 |
Canada | 99.4 | 99.1 | 72.0 | 78.4 | 61.47 |
Source: CRTC data collection
Table 5.5.11 Percentage of population with access to one, two, three, or four or more facilities-based WSPs, by province, 2012
| Number of facilities-based wireless service providers |
none | 1 only | 2 only | 3 only | 4 or more |
British Columbia | 1% | 2% | 32% | 6% | 59% |
Alberta | 0% | 1% | 32% | 11% | 55% |
Saskatchewan | 1% | 16% | 75% | 8% | 0% |
Manitoba | 2% | 2% | 18% | 78% | 0% |
Ontario | 0% | 1% | 3% | 33% | 63% |
Quebec | 1% | 4% | 6% | 8% | 82% |
New Brunswick | 0% | 4% | 73% | 22% | 0% |
Nova Scotia | 0% | 4% | 53% | 43% | 0% |
Prince Edward Island | 0% | 4% | 96% | 0% | 0% |
Newfoundland and Labrador | 4% | 39% | 18% | 40% | 0% |
The North1 | 30% | 63% | 7% | 0% | 0% |
Canada | 1% | 3% | 17% | 22% | 57% |
1. The North includes Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
Source: CRTC data collection
Figure 5.5.10 Established carriers’ coverage and penetration v. new entrants’ coverage and penetration
- ‘New entrants’ refers to the new wireless entities that acquired spectrum in Industry Canada’s 2008 AWS spectrum auction.
Source: CRTC data collection
Map 5.5.1 Wireless service availability, by number of facilities-based providers, 2012
Source: CRTC data collection
Map 5.5.2 Wireless HSPA+ service availability, by number of facilities-based providers, 2012
Source: CRTC data collection