Canada's internet market has seen significant growth in recent years, with increasing numbers of individuals and businesses relying on the internet for communication, entertainment, and commerce.
According to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), in 2020, over 90% of Canadian households had internet access, up from 87% in 2019. Most homes now have access to high-speed internet, with the average download speed increasing to 97 Mbps in 2020.
The number of active internet subscribers in Canada has continued to increase, with most Canadians accessing the internet via mobile devices, particularly smartphones. As a result, the Canadian mobile internet market has seen significant growth, with mobile data usage increasing by over 40% from 2019 to 2020.
The Canadian e-commerce market has also seen rapid growth, driven by increased internet access and the shift to online shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, online sales in Canada reached a record $37.6 billion, representing an increase of over 30% from the previous year.
Canada's
internet service providers (ISPs) offer a range of services, with the most prominent players being Bell, Rogers, and Telus. The CRTC has been working to increase competition in the market, including its recent decision to increase the wholesale rates that smaller ISPs pay to use the infrastructure of the larger companies.
Overall, the current internet market in Canada is characterized by continued growth, increased access to
cable internet, and a shift towards online commerce and mobile usage. The CRTC and other organizations are working to ensure that all Canadians have access to affordable and reliable internet services and to foster a competitive market for internet services in the country.