I can't reply direct for some reason, but wanted to comment on... > But there's a reason there's only a handful of ILEC in Canada (ILEC for those unaware are

I can't reply direct for some reason, but wanted to comment on... > But there's a reason there's only a handful of ILEC in Canada (ILEC for those unaware are Incumbent local exchange carrier, as opposed to CLECs or Competitive local exchange carrier, once local competition was introduced) Yes, because when the Phone networks were started, it was SUPER expensive to wire them up, so the government gave MONOPOLIES away for REGULATED returns. So, for the most part, each geographic area had one (or one main) phone company. And a few of those companies merged or were bought out as competition entered the space, leaving less than a handful. It was felt that balancing access for exclusivity was a good trade, and it probably was. But now, "copper" landline service is strictly regulated, while Internet and Cellular are unregulated. (This is why, despite landline being super cheap to run, it costs MORE then entry cellphone plans per month).