06:10 AM EDT, 08/07/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Darren Entwistle, President And CEO at TELUS ( TU ), overnight Wednesday issued a statement on the federal government's decision to uphold the CRTC's wholesale fibre framework in which he said: "We commend the federal government's decision to uphold the CRTC's wholesale fibre framework, a landmark ruling that reinforces Canada's commitment to competition, choice, innovation and nation-building infrastructure investment.

"This decision affirms that public policy in our country is guided by due process, a national diversity of voices, evidence and the long-term interests of Canadians. It sends a strong signal to consumers, businesses and investors that the Canadian regulatory system is robust, transparent and effective in balancing the needs of stakeholders, and enabling government policy.

"At TELUS ( TU ), we are firmly focused on the road ahead. We are passionately committed to building national infrastructure and technology for the benefit of consumers, and the productivity and innovation of our private and public sectors. TELUS ( TU ) is mobilizing our capital, technology and talent to help address the defining challenges of our time, including digital inequality, the responsible development of AI, transformation of the healthcare system, environmental sustainability, and ensuring food safety and security for the benefit of all Canadians.

"We are grateful for the government's leadership and look forward to building a more connected, competitive and innovative Canada for generations to come...on an inclusive basis."

In contrast, Cogeco ( CGECF ) (CGO.TO, CCA.TO) overnight Wednesday said it was "dismayed" by the federal government's decision to maintain the CRTC's "broken, nonsensical wholesale Internet regime, and is profoundly disappointed by Cabinet's failure to ensure economic prosperity".

Cogeco ( CGECF ) said "the government's inaction stifles competition and investment in essential digital infrastructure by unfairly empowering the Big Three telecom players (Bell, Rogers, and Telus ( TU )) to expand through regulation by reselling the networks of smaller regional players". It added this will lead to reduced consumer choice and stalled network investments. "By failing to correct the CRTC's flawed approach, the government has squandered a crucial chance to foster a healthy and dynamic market that benefits all Canadians."

"The Federal Cabinet's inaction is unacceptable," said Frederic Perron, President and CEO of Cogeco ( CGECF ). "It directly contradicts government efforts to promote sustainable competition and drive economic growth. The CRTC's current approach undermines choice and affordability, halting crucial innovation and investment vital for Canada's future. Unless corrected, this policy will have a detrimental impact on consumers and the broader Canadian economy."

Cogeco ( CGECF ) said it will continue to challenge the CRTC's broken wholesale regime, including through the Federal Court of Appeal.