Elon Musk's Starlink is facing opposition in Canada as telecom giant Bell seeks to block the company from receiving federal subsidies intended for internet providers in the country's northern areas. Bell and its subsidiary, Northwestel, are urging the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to exclude Starlink, claiming it doesn’t need public funding since it charges a uniform rate nationwide. The Financial Times reported this on Wednesday after reviewing correspondence between the parties and Canadian authorities.
SpaceX, which owns Starlink, argues that denying access would harm competition and raise prices in remote areas, particularly Indigenous communities. The case has gained attention amid rising anti-US sentiment in Canada, fueled by US President Donald Trump’s trade measures and annexation threats. Earlier this year, Ontario canceled a $100 million deal with Starlink, citing similar concerns.
