Canadian CRTC Telecom Carrier Package
Canadian corporation (BC or Ontario) + CRTC telecom carrier registration + BITS international service — complete turnkey setup
Priority handling: 1-3 week turnaround instead of 2-5 weeks. BC Registry expedited processing fee passed through at cost.
BC government fees are passed through at cost in CAD. USD equivalent shown at ~0.73 USD/CAD and may vary. Named company and trade name addons are service fees for the additional filing work. Expedited BC filing fee is additional.
Ready to Order -No Canadian citizenship or residency required for resellers
Ready to launch your international telecom carrier?
CRTC ownership restrictions (80% Canadian-owned) apply only to facilities-based carriers that own transmission infrastructure. As a registered reseller, you can incorporate and operate from anywhere in the world. Your Canadian carrier identity lets you do business internationally with any vendor willing to board a Canadian-registered carrier.
Join other US voice carriers registered to do business in Canada
Processing CRTC registrations since 2019
Our established process and deep knowledge of CRTC requirements means fewer delays, fewer errors, and a faster path to your carrier authorization. We know what the CRTC expects and how to get it right the first time.
Operate as an international carrier
A Canadian CRTC-registered carrier identity gives you standing to do business internationally. Connect with any voice, data, or messaging vendor worldwide that is willing to board a Canadian carrier. Use your Canadian entity to establish interconnection agreements, purchase wholesale capacity, and operate as a legitimate international telecommunications carrier.
The lowest-latency international carrier option for US VoIP customers
+
No Canadian citizenship or residency required for resellers
Ready to launch your international telecom carrier?
CRTC ownership restrictions (80% Canadian-owned) apply only to facilities-based carriers that own transmission infrastructure. As a registered reseller, you can incorporate and operate from anywhere in the world. Your Canadian carrier identity lets you do business internationally with any vendor willing to board a Canadian-registered carrier.
Choose your province: British Columbia or Ontario
We incorporate in either province — same price, same turnaround. The CRTC, BITS and CCTS registrations are federal and identical either way, so this is purely about your preferred registered-office location and a couple of small fee differences. Not sure? Most clients pick BC for the simpler anonymous filing portal, or Ontario for the wider choice of registered-office cities.
- • Entity name: “1234567 B.C. Ltd.”
- • Registered office: Vancouver (329 Howe St)
- • Incorporation fee: ~C$350
- • Annual report: C$42/yr
- • Filing portal: anonymous (BC Corporate Online)
- • DID area codes: 604 / 778 / 236 / 250
- • Small-business corp tax: ~11%
Best if you want the simplest setup and a Pacific-gateway address.
- • Entity name: “1234567 Ontario Inc.”
- • Registered office: Toronto, Mississauga, Ottawa + more
- • Incorporation fee: ~C$360
- • Annual return: C$25/yr (cheaper)
- • Filing portal: Ontario Business Registry (login)
- • DID area codes: 416 / 647 / 437 / 905 / 613 + more
- • Small-business corp tax: ~12.2%
Best if you want a Toronto/GTA address, more office cities, or the lowest annual fee.
Neither province requires a Canadian director or residency. All documents are in English (Ontario also offers French). You choose your province at checkout; we handle the rest.
Join other US voice carriers registered to do business in Canada
Processing CRTC registrations since 2019
Our established process and deep knowledge of CRTC requirements means fewer delays, fewer errors, and a faster path to your carrier authorization. We know what the CRTC expects and how to get it right the first time.
Operate as an international carrier
A Canadian CRTC-registered carrier identity gives you standing to do business internationally. Connect with any voice, data, or messaging vendor worldwide that is willing to board a Canadian carrier. Use your Canadian entity to establish interconnection agreements, purchase wholesale capacity, and operate as a legitimate international telecommunications carrier.
The lowest-latency international carrier option for US VoIP customers
Canada shares the longest undefended border in the world with the United States — and shares its telecommunications backbone. Canadian data centers in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver connect to US networks via direct cross-border fiber with sub-10ms latency to major US cities. This is indistinguishable from domestic US traffic for VoIP quality.
No other international jurisdiction comes close:
@@ -51,10 +51,10 @@ FCC (USA) vs. CRTC (Canada)
carrier setup comparison
| Requirement | USA (FCC) | Canada (CRTC) |
|---|---|---|
| International carrier authorization | Section 214 license — formal FCC application required even for international-only resellers | Registration letter to CRTC — included in our package. Your registration is published in a CRTC public notice, establishing your carrier on the official record. |
| Filing fee | $1,895 USD (FCC Schedule of Fees, even with LIRE exemption) | No separate fee — included in our package |
| Corporation formation | US state filing: 1-7 business days (varies by state). Must be completed before 214 application. | 2-5 weeks standard, 1-3 weeks expedited (BC Registry) |
| Carrier authorization processing | 45-90+ days (Section 214 streamlined grant). 6-12+ months if Team Telecom review triggered for foreign ownership. | 2-4 weeks for CRTC acknowledgment of domestic reseller registration |
| International (BITS) authorization | Included in the 214 application, but adds complexity and review time. Same 45-90+ day timeline. | Separate filing after domestic reseller registration is acknowledged. We generate your BITS affidavit, arrange online notarization (~5 min video call), and submit Form 503 to the CRTC once your domestic registration is confirmed. Additional 2-4 weeks for BITS acknowledgment. |
| Total time to fully operational international carrier | 2-4 months minimum (state formation + 214 processing). 12-18 months if Team Telecom review. | 6-13 weeks total (BC incorporation 2-5 wks + CRTC domestic 2-4 wks + BITS 2-4 wks). Expedited incorporation: 5-10 weeks. |
| Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD) | Required even for international-only 214 carriers. Must file RMD entry. Failure to file = downstream carriers must block your traffic. Annual re-certification required. | Not required. No RMD equivalent in Canada for resellers. |
| FCC Form 499-A (annual revenue report) | Required annually even for international-only carriers, even if LIRE exempt. Must report all telecom revenue. Triggers USF contribution obligations. | Not applicable. No equivalent annual revenue reporting for resellers. |
| USF contributions | Required on end-user telecom revenue, currently ~36.6% contribution factor. LIRE does not exempt you from filing Form 499-A or USF obligations. However, pure international-to-international transit revenue (foreign origin → US transit → foreign destination with no US end user) may be excludable from the assessable revenue base since it is not "end-user" revenue. You still must file 499-A and report all revenue categories — the USF is calculated only on the assessable portion. Consult a telecom attorney for your specific traffic mix. | No USF equivalent. Small CRTC contribution levy exists but small carriers are typically exempt. No equivalent of the 36.6% contribution factor on any revenue category. |
| FCC regulatory fees (annual) | Annual regulatory fee based on revenue category. Even small international carriers pay $460-$1,000+/yr in FCC regulatory fees. | No annual regulatory fees for small resellers. |
| Annual circuit/traffic reports | Required. International 214 holders must file annual international traffic and circuit data reports with the FCC. | Not required for resellers. |
| State/provincial registrations | May be required if you terminate traffic to US end users. $50-$750+ per state PUC/PSC. Each state has separate filing requirements and fees. | Telecom regulation is federal only (no provincial telecom licences for resellers). However, if your BC corporation has customers or operations in other provinces, you may need extra-provincial registration in those provinces (corporate registration, not telecom). This is a one-time corporate filing per province, not a telecom-specific requirement. We can assist with extra-provincial registration as needed. |
| Telecom taxes on customer invoices | Even international-only carriers billing US customers must collect: Federal USF surcharge (~36.6% on interstate), Federal excise tax (3%), state/local telecom taxes, E911 fees, TRS fund. Total: 15-40% added to invoices. | None of these exist. Only GST/HST on sales to Canadian customers (and international B2B is zero-rated). |
| Lawful intercept (CALEA vs. Part VI) | CALEA compliance required. All US telecom carriers must build lawful intercept capability into their networks at their own expense. Estimated cost: $50,000-$500,000+ for initial implementation (switches, mediation devices, safe harbor solutions). Ongoing maintenance, audits, and staff training. Must be able to deliver wiretap data to law enforcement within statutory deadlines. Non-compliance: FCC enforcement, fines up to $10,000/day, court orders. | Significantly lighter. Canada's Part VI (Criminal Code) and the Solicitor General's Standards require intercept capability, but: (1) resellers who don't operate network infrastructure typically satisfy requirements through their upstream wholesale provider, (2) no equivalent to CALEA's carrier-funded mandate for purpose-built intercept infrastructure, (3) costs are a fraction of US CALEA compliance. Estimated: $0-$5,000 for a reseller (upstream provider handles it). |
| Team Telecom / national security | 214 applications reviewed by Team Telecom (DOJ/DOD/DHS). Foreign-owned applicants face extended review (6-12+ months). May require network security agreement. | No equivalent security review for resellers. Registration is administrative. |
| Background checks & personal disclosures | Required. Section 214 applicants must disclose all officers, directors, and 10%+ shareholders. Team Telecom may require FBI background checks on principals, especially for foreign-owned applicants. Applicants must disclose any prior FCC violations, criminal history, and foreign government affiliations. Failure to disclose = application denial or future license revocation. | Not required. CRTC registration is a notification process. No background checks, no personal disclosures, no FBI involvement. Director names are public on the BC corporate registry but no criminal history or government affiliation review. |
| 214 application requirements | Extensive filing required: legal name, formation state, address of all officers/directors/shareholders (10%+), description of services, countries served, foreign carrier affiliations, interlocking directorates, any prior FCC authorizations, compliance history, and certifications under penalty of perjury. Must use FCC Form 214 filed through the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS). Legal counsel typically required ($5,000-$15,000 in attorney fees for preparation). | Simple letter. Corporation name, BC number, registered office, description of services, geographic coverage. No form to fill out — it's a letter we prepare. No attorney required. No filing system to navigate. |
| Ongoing compliance reporting | Multiple annual filings: FCC Form 499-A (revenue report + USF), FCC Form 499-Q (quarterly), annual international traffic/circuit reports, annual regulatory fee payment, RMD re-certification, CPNI compliance certification, and any changes in ownership/officers must be reported within 30 days. | Minimal. BC annual report (C$42/yr, we handle it). CRTC annual Communications Monitoring Report survey (if requested). No quarterly filings. No USF. No CPNI. We monitor and remind you of all deadlines. |
| Ownership restrictions | No statutory foreign ownership ban for resellers, but Team Telecom can block or condition foreign-owned 214 applications. FBI background checks may be required for foreign principals. | No restriction for resellers. Only facilities-based carriers need 80% Canadian ownership. No background checks. |
| Sanctions & country-of-origin restrictions | OFAC SDN List: Nationals and entities from comprehensively sanctioned countries (Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, parts of Russia/Belarus/Venezuela/Myanmar) are prohibited from transacting with US persons. This effectively bars them from obtaining a 214 license, opening US bank accounts, or engaging US carriers. Team Telecom scrutiny: Even nationals from non-sanctioned countries face heightened review if from countries with adversarial intelligence services (China, Russia, etc.). China Telecom Americas had its 214 revoked in 2021. Multiple Russian-affiliated carriers have been denied or had conditions imposed. BIS export controls: Telecom equipment and technology transfers to sanctioned countries are restricted under Export Administration Regulations. - | Canada has its own sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) and the Sergei Magnitsky Law — targeting specific listed individuals and entities from Russia, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Myanmar, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, and others. However: Canadian sanctions primarily target named individuals and entities on the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List, not blanket bans on all nationals from a country. A person from a sanctioned country who is not personally listed can generally incorporate in BC and register with the CRTC. No equivalent of Team Telecom. CRTC reseller registration is administrative — no national security review, no intelligence agency involvement, no country-of-origin screening for resellers. Note: FINTRAC (Canada's anti-money laundering agency) may require enhanced due diligence for bank account opening. Verify your personal sanctions compliance status with qualified legal counsel in both jurisdictions before proceeding. |
| Estimated Year 1 regulatory cost (international-only carrier) | $58,000 - $525,000+ USD $1,895 filing + $5K-$15K attorney fees + $460+ reg fees + 499-A + RMD + STIR/SHAKEN + $50K-$500K+ CALEA + FBI background checks + state PUCs | Included in our package CRTC registration included. No separate filing fees. No annual regulatory fees until revenue-based levy kicks in. Resellers rely on upstream provider for intercept. |
| Estimated savings (Canada vs. US) | $55,000 - $525,000+ USD in Year 1 regulatory and compliance costs avoided by registering in Canada instead of the US Primary savings: CALEA infrastructure ($50K-$500K+), 214 attorney fees ($5K-$15K), 214 filing ($1,895), FBI background checks, USF contributions (36.6% of revenue), annual FCC fees, RMD/STIR/SHAKEN compliance, state PUC registrations, and elimination of 15-40% telecom tax burden on customer invoices. | |
Corporate tax comparison: British Columbia vs. popular US formation states
| Tax | British Columbia | Wyoming | Delaware | Florida |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal corporate income tax | 15% (Canada) 9% for small business (first C$500K) | 21% flat (US federal, applies to all states) | ||
| State/provincial corporate tax | 12% (BC general) 2% (BC small business, first C$500K) | 0% | 8.7% (only on DE-sourced income) | 5.5% (C-corps only, not LLCs) |
| Combined rate (small business) | 11% (9% + 2%) on first C$500K profit | 21% | 21-29.7% | 21-26.5% |
| Combined rate (general) | 27% (15% + 12%) | 21% | 21-29.7% | 21-26.5% |
| Franchise / annual tax | None | $60/yr (annual report) | $300/yr (LLC franchise tax) | $138.75/yr (annual report) |
| Sales tax on services | GST 5% + BC PST 7% = 12% Only on sales TO Canadian customers. Exports and B2B international: 0%. | 0% (no sales tax) | 0% (no sales tax) | 6% (state) + local |
| Telecom-specific taxes on customers | None. No USF surcharge, no telecom excise tax, no E911 fee, no TRS fee. Only standard GST/HST on domestic sales. | USF surcharge (~33% of interstate), federal excise tax (3%), state telecom taxes (5-20%), E911 fees, TRS fees. Total: 15-40% added to customer bills. | ||
Key tax takeaways for international carriers
- 1. BC small business rate is 11% (combined federal + provincial) on the first C$500,000 of active business income. This is lower than the US federal rate of 21% alone.
- 2. No telecom-specific taxes in Canada. US carriers must charge customers USF surcharges (~33%), excise taxes, E911 fees, and state telecom taxes — adding 15-35% to every invoice. Canadian carriers charge only standard GST/HST (and only to Canadian customers).
- 3. GST/HST only applies to sales to Canadian customers. International B2B services (which is most carrier-to-carrier business) are generally zero-rated for GST/HST. If you're selling to international customers, your effective Canadian sales tax is 0%.
- 4. No Form 499-A equivalent. US carriers file annual 499-A revenue reports and pay USF contributions (20-30% of interstate revenue). Canada has no equivalent mandatory contribution for resellers.
- 5. Canada-US tax treaty prevents double taxation. Consult a cross-border tax advisor for your specific situation.
This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Tax obligations depend on your specific business structure, residency, and operations. Consult a qualified tax professional.
+ Canada has its own sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) and the Sergei Magnitsky Law — targeting specific listed individuals and entities from Russia, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Myanmar, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, and others.
However: Canadian sanctions primarily target named individuals and entities on the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List, not blanket bans on all nationals from a country. A person from a sanctioned country who is not personally listed can generally incorporate in BC and register with the CRTC.
No equivalent of Team Telecom. CRTC reseller registration is administrative — no national security review, no intelligence agency involvement, no country-of-origin screening for resellers.
Note: FINTRAC (Canada's anti-money laundering agency) may require enhanced due diligence for bank account opening. Verify your personal sanctions compliance status with qualified legal counsel in both jurisdictions before proceeding. Estimated Year 1 regulatory cost (international-only carrier) $58,000 - $525,000+ USD
$1,895 filing + $5K-$15K attorney fees + $460+ reg fees + 499-A + RMD + STIR/SHAKEN + $50K-$500K+ CALEA + FBI background checks + state PUCs Included in our package
CRTC registration included. No separate filing fees. No annual regulatory fees until revenue-based levy kicks in. Resellers rely on upstream provider for intercept. Estimated savings (Canada vs. US) $55,000 - $525,000+ USD in Year 1 regulatory and compliance costs avoided by registering in Canada instead of the US
Primary savings: CALEA infrastructure ($50K-$500K+), 214 attorney fees ($5K-$15K), 214 filing ($1,895), FBI background checks, USF contributions (36.6% of revenue), annual FCC fees, RMD/STIR/SHAKEN compliance, state PUC registrations, and elimination of 15-40% telecom tax burden on customer invoices.
However: Canadian sanctions primarily target named individuals and entities on the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List, not blanket bans on all nationals from a country. A person from a sanctioned country who is not personally listed can generally incorporate in BC and register with the CRTC.
No equivalent of Team Telecom. CRTC reseller registration is administrative — no national security review, no intelligence agency involvement, no country-of-origin screening for resellers.
Note: FINTRAC (Canada's anti-money laundering agency) may require enhanced due diligence for bank account opening. Verify your personal sanctions compliance status with qualified legal counsel in both jurisdictions before proceeding.
$1,895 filing + $5K-$15K attorney fees + $460+ reg fees + 499-A + RMD + STIR/SHAKEN + $50K-$500K+ CALEA + FBI background checks + state PUCs
CRTC registration included. No separate filing fees. No annual regulatory fees until revenue-based levy kicks in. Resellers rely on upstream provider for intercept.
in Year 1 regulatory and compliance costs avoided by registering in Canada instead of the US
Primary savings: CALEA infrastructure ($50K-$500K+), 214 attorney fees ($5K-$15K), 214 filing ($1,895), FBI background checks, USF contributions (36.6% of revenue), annual FCC fees, RMD/STIR/SHAKEN compliance, state PUC registrations, and elimination of 15-40% telecom tax burden on customer invoices.
Corporate tax comparison: British Columbia / Ontario vs. popular US formation states
| Tax | British Columbia | Wyoming | Delaware | Florida |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal corporate income tax | 15% (Canada) 9% for small business (first C$500K) | 21% flat (US federal, applies to all states) | ||
| State/provincial corporate tax | 12% (BC general) 2% (BC small business, first C$500K) | 0% | 8.7% (only on DE-sourced income) | 5.5% (C-corps only, not LLCs) |
| Combined rate (small business) | 11% (9% + 2%) on first C$500K profit | 21% | 21-29.7% | 21-26.5% |
| Combined rate (general) | 27% (15% + 12%) | 21% | 21-29.7% | 21-26.5% |
| Franchise / annual tax | None | $60/yr (annual report) | $300/yr (LLC franchise tax) | $138.75/yr (annual report) |
| Sales tax on services | GST 5% + BC PST 7% = 12% Only on sales TO Canadian customers. Exports and B2B international: 0%. | 0% (no sales tax) | 0% (no sales tax) | 6% (state) + local |
| Telecom-specific taxes on customers | None. No USF surcharge, no telecom excise tax, no E911 fee, no TRS fee. Only standard GST/HST on domestic sales. | USF surcharge (~33% of interstate), federal excise tax (3%), state telecom taxes (5-20%), E911 fees, TRS fees. Total: 15-40% added to customer bills. | ||
Key tax takeaways for international carriers
- 1. BC small business rate is 11% (combined federal + provincial) on the first C$500,000 of active business income, and Ontario is nearly identical at ~12.2%. Either province is lower than the US federal rate of 21% alone. The table below uses BC; Ontario differs by only ~1 point.
- 2. No telecom-specific taxes in Canada. US carriers must charge customers USF surcharges (~33%), excise taxes, E911 fees, and state telecom taxes — adding 15-35% to every invoice. Canadian carriers charge only standard GST/HST (and only to Canadian customers).
- 3. GST/HST only applies to sales to Canadian customers. International B2B services (which is most carrier-to-carrier business) are generally zero-rated for GST/HST. If you're selling to international customers, your effective Canadian sales tax is 0%.
- 4. No Form 499-A equivalent. US carriers file annual 499-A revenue reports and pay USF contributions (20-30% of interstate revenue). Canada has no equivalent mandatory contribution for resellers.
- 5. Canada-US tax treaty prevents double taxation. Consult a cross-border tax advisor for your specific situation.
This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Tax obligations depend on your specific business structure, residency, and operations. Consult a qualified tax professional.
Canada telecom M&A: a more predictable deal environment than the US
For carriers and investors evaluating acquisition targets or looking to position their company for an exit, the Canadian telecom M&A environment offers structural advantages over the United States, the EU, and most other major markets — particularly around regulatory timeline certainty, foreign investment rules, and deal completion risk.
Faster regulatory approval timelines
CRTC and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) review most MVNO and reseller transactions in 30–90 days. The US equivalent — FCC Section 214 transfer review with potential Team Telecom national security referral — can extend to 12–18+ months for foreign-affiliated buyers. The Rogers–Shaw merger required approximately 18 months but was an exceptionally large facilities-based deal; smaller reseller and MVNO transactions close far faster.
No national security veto for reseller acquisitions
The US DOJ/FBI/DHS "Team Telecom" process can indefinitely delay or block acquisitions of Section 214 licensees on national security grounds — including divestiture orders years after closing (see: China Telecom Americas, 2021). Canada's Investment Canada Act national security review applies primarily to infrastructure owners, not registered resellers. Foreign-owned Canadian carrier companies face no equivalent veto risk.
Recent Canadian telecom M&A — deal certainty in practice
| Deal | Value | Approval timeline | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rogers acquires Shaw Communications | C$26B | ~18 months (2021–2023; facilities-based, required Freedom Mobile divestiture) | Closed |
| Videotron acquires Freedom Mobile (divested from Rogers-Shaw) | C$2.85B | ~3 months (ISED/CRTC concurrent review, 2022–2023) | Closed |
| Bell acquires MLSE broadband unit | Undisclosed | <60 days (standard CRTC notification) | Closed |
| Cogeco acquires MetroCast (US crossborder deal) | US$1.4B | ~5 months (FCC + state PUC; Canadian acquirer, no Team Telecom review) | Closed |
| Zayo Group (US) acquires Canadian fibre assets | Undisclosed | <90 days (ISED spectrum licence transfer) | Closed |
Smaller recent deals — the mid-market is active too
| Deal | Type | Notes | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Canada acquires Distributel (incl. ThinkTel) | ISP + SIP wholesale carrier | Distributel operated as a CRTC-registered reseller with ~200,000 subscribers and ThinkTel, a wholesale SIP trunking and DID provider serving Canadian SMBs and enterprises. Bell absorbed the business progressively 2022–2023 with staggered cash payments. Standard CRTC reseller transfer notification; no public hearing required. | Closed 2023 |
| Rogers acquires Comwave | ISP + VoIP reseller | Comwave was one of Canada's larger independent residential VoIP and internet resellers. Rogers acquired the company to consolidate its reseller distribution footprint. As a CRTC-registered reseller — not a facilities-based licensee — the transfer required only a standard ownership notification to the CRTC, no full public process. | Closed 2021 |
| Eastlink acquires NeoTech | Regional ISP (Northern Ontario) | Eastlink purchased NeoTech, the primary local internet and telecom provider serving Kapuskasing, Ontario and surrounding communities. A small regional tuck-in acquisition: ISED/CRTC review completed in under 60 days. No foreign investment review triggered. Illustrates how quickly sub-scale Canadian carrier assets can change hands without regulatory friction. | Closed 2023 |
Pattern: In each case, the acquired entity was a CRTC-registered reseller or regional ISP — not a facilities-based carrier with spectrum licences. The CRTC's reseller transfer process is administrative, not adjudicative. No public comment period, no evidentiary hearing. Deals close on commercial timelines, not regulatory ones.
United States — High deal risk
- Team Telecom national security review: no statutory deadline, can block post-close
- FCC revoked China Telecom's Section 214 authorization in 2021 — 20 years after grant
- CFIUS reviews expanding to telecom infrastructure; mandatory filing for foreign buyers
- AT&T / T-Mobile / Verizon consolidation leaves few viable acquisition targets for small carriers
European Union — Long timelines
- European Commission Phase II investigations routinely take 12–18 months
- Hutchison / Vimpelcom (WIND) Italy deal blocked 2016; similar in-market consolidation routinely rejected
- Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) adds new pre-closing disclosure burden for deals >€500M
- In-market consolidation below 4 operators faces strong EC headwinds
Canada — Favourable conditions
- No retroactive licence revocation risk for compliant resellers
- MVNO and reseller transactions exempt from Investment Canada national security review
- CRTC focuses on facilities-based competition; reseller M&A faces minimal scrutiny
- Acquirers can be 100% foreign-owned for reseller entities
Positioning your carrier for acquisition
A CRTC-registered Canadian carrier company — with an active BITS registration, a clean compliance history, and an established .ca domain and DID — is a more straightforward acquisition target for international buyers than a US Section 214 licensee. There is no equivalent of Team Telecom, no post-close revocation risk, and no mandatory CFIUS filing. For founders who anticipate an exit within 3–7 years, building on the Canadian regulatory foundation offers a significantly cleaner path to liquidity than the equivalent US carrier structure.
US-owned A-to-Z voice operators registered on the CRTC BITS list
Source: CRTC List of Registered Telecommunications Providers — Basic International Telecommunications Services (BITS). Data as published by the CRTC.
| Registered CRTC entity | US parent / HQ | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Twilio Inc. | San Francisco, CA (NASDAQ: TWLO) | CPaaS / A-to-Z wholesale voice & messaging |
| Bandwidth Communications Canada, Inc. | Raleigh, NC (NASDAQ: BAND) | Wholesale voice, DID origination & termination, CPaaS |
| Telnyx Canada Limited & Telnyx LLC | Washington, DC | A-to-Z carrier, DID, SIP trunking, elastic SIP |
| RingCentral Canada Inc. & RingCentral, Inc. | Belmont, CA (NYSE: RNG) | UCaaS / cloud PBX / carrier services |
| Vonage Business Inc. & Vonage Canada Corp. | Holmdel, NJ (acquired by Ericsson 2022) | UCaaS / CPaaS / A-to-Z voice |
| 8x8, Inc. | Washington, DC registered address (NASDAQ: EGHT) | UCaaS / contact centre / international voice |
| Zoom Voice Communications, Inc. | San Jose, CA (NASDAQ: ZM) | UCaaS / Zoom Phone carrier services |
| Google Voice Canada Corporation | Boulder, CO / Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL) | MVNO / consumer & business VoIP |
| Dialpad, Inc. | San Ramon, CA | AI-powered UCaaS / cloud telephony |
| Ooma, Inc. | Sunnyvale, CA (NYSE: OOMA) | Business VoIP / UCaaS / A-to-Z voice |
| GoTo Technologies Canada Ltd. | Boston, MA (formerly LogMeIn) | UCaaS / GoTo Connect cloud phone system |
| Airus, Inc. d/b/a Peerless Network | Chicago, IL | Wholesale A-to-Z voice, local number portability |
| Onvoy, LLC | Chicago, IL (acquired by Sinch) | Wholesale origination & termination, DID provisioning |
| IntelePeer Cloud Communications LLC | Centennial, CO | CPaaS / programmable voice & messaging |
| thinQ Technologies, Inc. dba Commio | Raleigh, NC | A-to-Z wholesale voice, DID APIs |
| Sangoma Technologies Inc. & Sangoma U.S., Inc. | Sarasota, FL (NASDAQ: SANG) | UCaaS / SIP trunking / open-source PBX (FreePBX) |
What this list shows: These are not fringe operators — they include publicly traded US companies, Tier-1 carriers, and household-name CPaaS platforms. Every one of them chose to establish a CRTC-registered Canadian entity to operate lawfully as an international carrier in Canada. There is no size advantage — the process is identical whether you are Twilio or a two-person carrier startup.
Step 6: Canadian Business Banking
-Once your BC corporation is registered, we provide you with a link to open a Canadian digital business bank account — +Once your BC or Ontario corporation is registered, we provide you with a link to open a Canadian digital business bank account — no trip to British Columbia required. Set up in under 5 minutes from anywhere in the world. Your account is CDIC-insured and comes with everything you need to operate as an international carrier.
Cashback on all Mastercard corporate card spend
Interest on CAD & USD balances, no minimums or caps
Currencies: CAD, USD, GBP, EUR accounts
Countries you can send payments to
Treasury & money movement
Global Transfers
Send domestic and international wire transfers to 200+ countries in 30+ currencies. Best FX rates in Canada (0.25-0.40% spread). Free domestic EFT, ACH, SEPA, and Faster Payments.
Interac e-Transfer
Send and receive Interac e-Transfers for instant Canadian payments. Pay vendors, receive from clients — the standard Canadian business payment method.
Multi-Currency Invoicing
Send professional invoices in CAD, USD, GBP, or EUR. Accept payment via credit card or bank transfer. Choose who pays the processing fees — you or your client.
Accounts Payable
Automate bill payments with multi-level approvals and workflows. Two-way sync with QuickBooks and Xero for automatic reconciliation.
Corporate cards & expense management
- ✓ Unlimited virtual and physical Mastercard corporate cards — issue as many cards as you need instantly. Create dedicated virtual cards per vendor, per employee, or per project. Physical cards available too. Multi-currency spend in CAD, USD, and more. 1% uncapped cashback on every transaction.
- ✓ Expense management — set individual card limits and controls, real-time spend tracking, receipt capture, and automatic categorization. Issue cards to team members with per-card spending rules.
- ✓ Connect Stripe Canada — use your Canadian business bank account to verify and connect Stripe Canada for payment processing. Accept payments from customers worldwide through your Canadian entity.
- ✓ No branch visit required — open your account entirely online in under 5 minutes. No trip to Canada needed. Manage everything from the web or mobile app.
- ✓ CDIC-insured deposits — eligible deposits held at a CDIC member institution, insured up to CA$100,000 per deposit category.
- ✓ Accounting automation — direct integration with QuickBooks Online and Xero. Transactions sync automatically for faster month-end closing.
- ✓ $100-$500 signup bonus — new business accounts are eligible for a signup bonus directly from the bank, depending on your projected transaction volume. This is paid by the bank, not by us.
Why Canadian banking? The world's most stable banking system.
| Country | Bank failures (2000-2026) | Notable events |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | 0 major failures | Only G7 country that required zero bank bailouts in 2008. World Economic Forum ranked Canada's banking #1 in the world for soundness 7 consecutive years. No major bank has ever failed in Canadian history. |
| United States | 550+ failures | 2008-2013: 489 bank failures. 2023: Silicon Valley Bank ($209B), Signature Bank ($110B), First Republic ($229B) — the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th largest failures in US history. 1980s S&L crisis: 1,000+ institutions failed. |
| United Kingdom | Multiple bailouts | Northern Rock (2007), HBOS and RBS government bailouts (2008). Taxpayer cost: £137 billion. |
| Switzerland | 1 major forced merger | Credit Suisse (167 years old) forced emergency merger with UBS in 2023. $17B in bonds wiped out. |
| Iceland | All 3 major banks | All three major banks collapsed in 2008. National banking system failure. |
| Cyprus | Depositor haircut | 2013: Bank of Cyprus forced depositors to take losses. Deposits over €100K converted to equity. |
- ✓ OSFI regulation — Canada's Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions is one of the most conservative bank regulators in the world. Canadian banks maintain higher capital ratios than US or European banks.
- ✓ CDIC deposit insurance — eligible deposits insured up to CA$100,000 per category (checking, savings, GICs, etc. each insured separately — effective coverage can be well over $100K).
- ✓ Big 5 stability — Canada's five largest banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) have operated continuously for 150+ years with no interruptions, bailouts, or failures.
Wholesale carriers: need to receive US ACH deposits directly?
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ Our standard digital banking setup handles most carrier needs remotely. However, For this, we can help you open an account with a Canadian bank that has a US branch in Florida. This requires a one-time trip to British Columbia to open the Canadian account in person. Once established, the same bank sets up a linked cross-border US dollar account through their Florida branch with just a single phone call — no trip to Florida required. You get a US ABA routing number and account number for domestic ACH, while keeping your primary banking relationship in Canada.
This is ideal for carriers receiving wholesale settlement payments, interconnection revenue, or high-volume ACH from US carrier partners. We coordinate the branch appointment, prepare all documentation (Certificate of Incorporation, corporate binder, director ID), and guide you through the process. -
This is an optional upgrade for wholesale carriers who need direct US ACH deposit capability. Most retail-focused carriers find the standard digital banking setup sufficient.
Business banking is provided by third-party financial institutions. Performance West is not a bank. Banking services subject to provider terms and approval. CDIC coverage subject to applicable limits and conditions. Cross-border banking availability depends on the bank's current policies and client eligibility. Additional US fintech options for receiving ACH deposits are detailed in your client portal after delivery.
Risk if non-compliant
Operating as an international telecom carrier through Canada without CRTC registration can result in enforcement action, loss of interconnection agreements, and inability to board with international vendors that require a registered carrier identity.
Potential penalties
- ⚠ CRTC enforcement action for unregistered telecom operations
- ⚠ Inability to board with international vendors requiring a registered carrier
- ⚠ Loss of interconnection agreements with wholesale providers
- ⚠ BC Registry penalties for non-compliance with corporate maintenance requirements
- ⚠ Administrative dissolution for missed annual reports
What we deliver
- ✓ Set up a virtual registered office in downtown Vancouver (329 Howe St)
- ✓ File BC corporation (numbered or named — your choice)
- ✓ Register a .ca domain (free, included) with business email and placeholder website
- ✓ Provision a Canadian phone number for your carrier
- ✓ Generate CRTC registration letter — you eSign in our portal, we submit to CRTC from your .ca email
- ✓ File your CCTS registration (Commission for Complaints for Telecom-Television Services)
- ✓ Produce complete corporate binder (digital PDF + printed copy shipped to registered office)
- ✓ Include: Certificate of Incorporation, Articles, Director/Shareholder registers, Share certificates, Organizational minutes
- ✓ Set up a Canadian business bank account (no trip to BC required)
- ✓ Canadian wholesale vendor directory (UCaaS, Data/TPIA, MVNO, IPTV, DID/Termination) — digital, via client portal
- ✓ Annual maintenance: domain + hosting + email + mailbox + BC annual report + CRTC compliance ($349 USD/yr). Consulting: $75 USD/hr
Included: Canadian wholesale vendor directory
+
This is an optional upgrade for wholesale carriers who need direct US ACH deposit capability. Most retail-focused carriers find the standard digital banking setup sufficient.
Business banking is provided by third-party financial institutions. Performance West is not a bank. Banking services subject to provider terms and approval. CDIC coverage subject to applicable limits and conditions. Cross-border banking availability depends on the bank's current policies and client eligibility. Additional US fintech options for receiving ACH deposits are detailed in your client portal after delivery.
Risk if non-compliant
Operating as an international telecom carrier through Canada without CRTC registration can result in enforcement action, loss of interconnection agreements, and inability to board with international vendors that require a registered carrier identity.
Potential penalties
- ⚠ CRTC enforcement action for unregistered telecom operations
- ⚠ Inability to board with international vendors requiring a registered carrier
- ⚠ Loss of interconnection agreements with wholesale providers
- ⚠ BC Registry penalties for non-compliance with corporate maintenance requirements
- ⚠ Administrative dissolution for missed annual reports
What we deliver
- ✓ Set up a virtual registered office in your chosen province — downtown Vancouver (BC) or Toronto/GTA (Ontario)
- ✓ File your BC or Ontario corporation (numbered or named — your choice)
- ✓ Register a .ca domain (free, included) with business email and placeholder website
- ✓ Provision a Canadian phone number for your carrier
- ✓ Generate CRTC registration letter — you eSign in our portal, we submit to CRTC from your .ca email
- ✓ File your CCTS registration (Commission for Complaints for Telecom-Television Services)
- ✓ Produce complete corporate binder (digital PDF + printed copy shipped to registered office)
- ✓ Include: Certificate of Incorporation, Articles, Director/Shareholder registers, Share certificates, Organizational minutes
- ✓ Set up a Canadian business bank account (no trip to BC required)
- ✓ Canadian wholesale vendor directory (UCaaS, Data/TPIA, MVNO, IPTV, DID/Termination) — digital, via client portal
- ✓ Annual maintenance: domain + hosting + email + mailbox + BC annual report + CRTC compliance ($349 USD/yr). Consulting: $75 USD/hr
Included: Canadian wholesale vendor directory
Hit the ground running with our curated directory of Canadian wholesale telecommunications vendors. Available in your client portal after delivery.
Annual Maintenance — $349 USD/yr
Keep your Canadian corporation and CRTC registration in good standing:
- ✓ Anytime Mailbox renewal — virtual registered office at 329 Howe St, Vancouver
- ✓ BC Annual Report filing — filed with BC Registry Services on your behalf
- ✓ CRTC compliance status check — verify your registration remains active
Government fees (C$42 for BC annual report) included. Auto-renews annually with 30/14/7/3 day email reminders.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a Canadian citizen?
No. CRTC ownership restrictions (80% Canadian-owned) apply only to facilities-based carriers that own transmission infrastructure. Resellers who purchase wholesale services from Canadian carriers and resell them are not subject to these ownership requirements.
What is a BITS licence?
BITS stands for Basic International Telecommunications Service. It's not technically a 'licence' — the CRTC uses a registration model, not a licensing model. You file a registration letter with the CRTC Secretary General notifying them of your intent to provide international telecom services. The CRTC publishes your registration in a public notice, establishing your carrier on the official record. BITS registration is filed separately after your domestic reseller registration is acknowledged.
Can I choose my corporation name?
Yes. You can choose a named corporation (we handle the BC name reservation, adds 2-5 business days and C$30) or a numbered corporation (e.g., '1234567 B.C. Ltd.' — instant, no name reservation needed). For telecom carriers, we recommend including a word that indicates your business activity in the name — such as 'Telecom', 'Communications', 'Networks', 'Connect', or 'Voice'. Examples: 'Maple Bridge Telecom Ltd.', 'Northern Voice Communications Inc.', 'Pacific Connect Networks Corp.' This strengthens your CRTC registration and makes your carrier identity clear to wholesale partners. A numbered company can always register a descriptive trade name later. The name must end with a BC legal ending: Ltd., Limited, Inc., Incorporated, Corp., or Corporation.
What is the registered office for?
BC law requires every corporation to maintain a registered office with a delivery address in British Columbia that is accessible during business hours. We set up a virtual mailbox at 329 Howe St in downtown Vancouver, which satisfies this requirement. You can view and manage your mail online or via the mobile app.
What ongoing costs are there?
Our annual maintenance service is $349 USD/year and includes: Anytime Mailbox renewal, BC Annual Report filing, CCTS renewal, CRTC compliance monitoring, CCTS complaint monitoring, and regulatory change alerts. Government fees included. Additionally, telecom consulting is available at $75 USD/hour for vendor negotiations, switch guidance, rate analysis, and general telecom advisory.
Do you file the CRTC letter for me?
Yes. We generate the complete CRTC registration letter pre-filled with your corporation details. You review and eSign the document in our client portal. Once signed, we send it to the CRTC Secretary General from your Canadian email address (@yourcompany.ca) on your behalf.
What documents do I receive?
You receive a complete corporate binder (PDF + printed copy) containing: Certificate of Incorporation, Notice of Articles, Articles of Incorporation, Incorporation Agreement, Register of Directors, Register of Shareholders, Share Certificates, Minutes of First Directors' Meeting, Registered Office Notice, and your CRTC Registration Letter.
Which province should I choose — BC or Ontario?
Both work identically for CRTC registration. BC and Ontario are the two best provinces for international telecom carriers: (1) No Canadian director residency requirements for either province's corporations act. (2) All documents are in English. (3) Both have straightforward online incorporation portals. BC has a slightly lower incorporation fee (C$350 vs C$360 for Ontario) and Vancouver is Canada's Pacific gateway. Ontario has cheaper annual returns (C$25 vs C$42 for BC) and more registered office locations to choose from. Choose based on your preferred registered office location and long-term cost preference. The CRTC does not differentiate between provinces.
Do I need to get anything notarized?
Yes — the BITS (international services) affidavit requires notarization. We handle the entire process: we generate the affidavit with your corporation's details, arrange an online notarization session for you (a brief ~5 minute video call with a commissioned US notary), and submit the notarized document to the CRTC as part of the Form 503 BITS application. You don't need to visit a notary in person — everything is done online. The notarization cost is included in our service fee.
What is included in the notarization?
The BITS affidavit is a sworn statement that your entity intends to carry telecommunications traffic between Canada and other countries. During the online notarization session, you'll join a brief video call with a state-commissioned notary. They'll verify your identity, witness your signature on the affidavit, and apply their official notarial seal. The entire session typically takes less than 5 minutes. We schedule the session and handle all the paperwork — you just need to show up for the video call with a valid government-issued photo ID.
US wholesale voice market: tightening restrictions on DID reselling and number assignment
FCC proposes limiting DID reselling to a single level (FCC 26-17)