Industry Canada needs to adopt soft-partitioning in Ka-band spectrum

telecom | 07/09/2002 4:00 am EDT

Industry Canada has ignored an important aspect of future spectrum policy in proposing not to implement soft- partitioning in the Ka-band spectrum frequency range, a group of satellite companies and the Radio Advisory Board of Canada (RABC) have told the department. The companies were responding to proposed changes to the...

RoW Short Takes

telecom | 07/09/2002 4:00 am EDT

Decima Reader Poll, June 2002The June edition of the online Decima Reader Poll asked who the CRTC price cap decision pushed the telecom operating balance in favour of. Go to www.decima.ca/publishing to answer this month’s question on jurisdiction in wireless disputes. Mobile Knowledge completes Singapore installationOttawa-based Mobile Knowledge Inc. has completed the installation of 3,500 mobile data...

RoW People

telecom | 07/09/2002 4:00 am EDT

Cell-Loc Inc.’s co-founder Michel Fattouche is stepping back as president and CEO and will take on CTO responsibilities. He will be replaced by Sheldon Reid, who has been executive VP corporate and business development. Sierra Wireless has shuffled its executive ranks. Glen Brownlee, president and COO, has announced his retirement. He will be replaced by current chair of the board of directors and CEO David...

Deal to retain on-site wireless services at Pearson Airport all but dead, industry says

telecom | 07/09/2002 4:00 am EDT

The Canadian wireless industry is set to simply walk away from providing on-site wireless services at Lester B. Pearson International Airport after the CRTC ruled that it would not prohibit the Greater Toronto Airport Authority from shutting down the carriers’ wireless equipment (RoW Update, July...

RoW International Short Takes

telecom | 07/09/2002 4:00 am EDT

Motorola introduces new line of communications productsMotorola Inc., Schaumburg IL, has introduced its AirMobile 3.5 wireless communications system that provides secure data transfer to field personnel in public safety and law enforcement agencies. AirMobile 3.5 is part of the company’s extensive portfolio of integrated communications and information systems designed to address public safety and security requirements around the world. The system virtually eliminates the need to take vehicles out of service for file and applications upgrades. "Data sharing has become a number one priority for our agency and the test of the law enforcement community," Santa Monica Police chief James Butts said in a news release. In other Motorola news, the company has announced that the city of Jackson MS has incorporated a communications system that enables its law enforcement agency to access in-vehicle mapping, the Federal Crime Information Centre and local crime databases. Wavecom chosen for modemsDigicom Spa, an Italian company that...

Government to consider new authorization procedures for use of cell phone jammers

telecom | 07/09/2002 4:00 am EDT

The federal government has undertaken a review process that would give law enforcement and national security agencies the right to use radio jamming devices, on a limited basis, for security and protective functions. The objective of the summer-long review will be to come up with an alternative licensing process that would...

CRTC regulatory regime cause of low wireless usage in Canada: C.D. Howe

telecom | 07/08/2002 4:00 am EDT

The CRTC is to blame for Canada’s poor performance in the adoption of wireless, according to a new report from the C.D. Howe Institute. The commentary, Going Mobile – Slowly: How Wireline Telephone Regulation Slows Cellular Network Development, discusses not only why the country is trailing its Organisation for Economic...

RoW Special Edition Update

telecom | 07/05/2002 4:00 am EDT

Commission won’t force GTAA to maintain wireless service at Pearson Airport   The Canadian wireless industry has lost its bid to keep the Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) from shutting down wireless PCS service at the country’s busiest airport – Telecom Decision 2002-38. The GTAA has previously stated that it will "power down" the carriers’ equipment beginning Monday, July 8 unless...

Layoffs and financial reorganization mark volatile week in Canadian telecom market

telecom | 07/03/2002 4:00 am EDT

The Canadian telecom market experienced one of its most unsettled periods last week, as major changes were made in both the ILEC and CLEC sector. One competitor is now under creditor protection, while others are scrambling to reorganize operations. Most severely hit was GT Group Telecom Inc., which received protection...

Bell Canada International prepares to wind up operations as it exits Latin market

telecom | 07/03/2002 4:00 am EDT

Even as other telcos are struggling to remain afloat, the global division of a major ILEC is preparing to end operations. Bell Canada International Inc., a subsidiary of BCE, will be holding a special meeting of shareholders and noteholders July 12 seeking approval of its plan of arrangement. As previously announced,...

Call-Net wants CRTC to speed up process of setting DNA tariff rates

telecom | 07/03/2002 4:00 am EDT

Even as Call-Net Enterprises Inc. blames the price cap decision for its current economic woes, it has filed a request with the CRTC to change the determination of Digital Network Access tariffs. The telco hopes it can speed up the process to set the new rates. In a June 12 letter to the commission, Don Bowles, VP...

Incumbents still major force in Europe, but are crippled by huge debts

telecom | 07/03/2002 4:00 am EDT

The move to open up the European telecom market to competition has not been as successful as expected, a recent conference on telecom competition in Canada was told. ILECs still dominate, although their debt load has weakened them financially. Frédéric Beauvais of A.T. Kearney Inc.’s communications & high tech...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 07/03/2002 4:00 am EDT

IMCAIP members lose predatory pricing challengeIn Telecom Decision 2002-37, the CRTC denied an application by the Independent Members of the Canadian Association of Internet Providers on pricing of DSL service by Bell Canada and Bell Nexxia (NL, Sept. 11/01). CAIP said it was "aghast" at the ruling, terming it "a sad day not just for independent ISPs, but for Canadian Internet users."  EastLink...

NL People

telecom | 07/03/2002 4:00 am EDT

Several directors have resigned from the board of CLEC GT Group Telecom Inc. Leo Hindery Jr. has stepped down as chair as well as from the board itself. He is being replaced temporarily by Dan Millard, CEO of Group Telecom. Hindery’s place on the audit committee of the board is taken by Josef Straus, CEO of JDS Uniphase. Eric Demarian, EVP corporate development at the telco, joins the board. Shaw Communications representatives Jim Shaw, Ron Rogers and Michael D’Avella have left the board.  Bill Cooke has been appointed CEO of the Vancouver Island Advanced Technology Centre (VIATeC). He had been serving as acting CEO following the resignation of Doug Taylor (NL, May 7/02). Satish Sanan has retired as vice chair, U.S. business engineering at CGI Group Inc. Responsibility for all of the company’s global business engineering reverts to EVP Daniel Rocheleau, who also serves as chief business engineering officer. Cabletel Communications Corp. has named John Discenza VP/GM of its Stirling Connectors division. The 25-year...

Looking at telecom competition one decade later

telecom | 07/03/2002 4:00 am EDT

At the recent Celebrating 10 Years of Telecom Competition conference in Toronto, George Addy, a partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP and formerly with Telus and the Competition Bureau, delivered the closing address. An edited version of his remarks appears here.  In preparing my remarks, I began to reflect, as most of us do on the...

NL Editorial

telecom | 07/03/2002 4:00 am EDT

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. As we wrap up our birthday celebrations and our American neighbours start theirs, it is time to look at one of the most egregious acts of cultural theft attempted between the two nations. We speak of the resolution passed in June by the House of Representatives that attributed the invention of the...

RoW Update

telecom | 07/02/2002 4:00 am EDT

RIM outlines future BlackBerry roadmap at PC ExpoResearch in Motion Ltd. unveiled the latest hardware, software, and services for its popular BlackBerry platform at PC Expo in New York last week. The Waterloo ON-based company also gave delegates a glimpse of future BlackBerry devices. On the schedule for later this year are new BlackBerry handhelds supporting GPRS, iDEN, and CDMA/1XRTT network protocols. More...

10 Years of Telecom Competition Conference –

telecom | 06/24/2002 4:00 am EDT

Wireless significant driver behind telecom change, but troubles may lie ahead  The wireless industry has been and will continue to be one of the primary drivers behind change in the telecom sector, a recent conference in Toronto was told. Delegates and speakers alike echoed this sentiment at the Celebrating 10 Years of Telecom Competition in...

10 Years of Telecom Competition Conference –

telecom | 06/24/2002 4:00 am EDT

Wireless growing rapidly in European market, telecom conference is told  Just two wireless companies have been able to establish themselves as major players in the European market, despite a rash of mergers and acquisitions, a telecom conference in Toronto earlier this month was told. That was one of the many surprising findings at the Celebrating 10 Years of Telecom Competition in Canada conference held June 11-12. Frédéric Beauvais of A.T. Kearney Inc.’s communications & high tech group was one of two speakers at the View From Europe session at the conference. The Paris consulting firms’ executive explained that in most countries the market is split between Vodafone and Orange. The voice market, both wireless and wireline (or fixed), is the largest segment of the...

RoW Short Takes

telecom | 06/24/2002 4:00 am EDT

Telus Mobility to launch financial service from ForbesTelus Mobility has signed an agreement with SmartServ Online Inc. to introduce the Forbes.com Wireless Powered by SmartServ financial service in Canada. The service will provide real-time access to Canadian and U.S. stock market information. Other services included are index information, timed notifications, symbol search and a currency converter. Forbes.com Wireless...

Industry Canada recommends “limited exemption” on use of cell phone jammers

telecom | 06/24/2002 4:00 am EDT

The Canadian government appears poised to grant federal law enforcement and public security agencies what could amount to a blanket exemption to prohibitions within the Radiocommunication Act against the use of radio jamming devices in connection with "security and protective functions."...

RoW People

telecom | 06/24/2002 4:00 am EDT

Unique Broadband Systems Inc. has made two senior-level appointments. John Kennedy has been named CFO and Gerald McGoey as its CEO. Kennedy joins UBS after holding senior-level financial management positions with several companies including Brookfield Properties Corp. and Deloitte & Touche. McGoey will also continue in his role of executive chair of the company’s board of directors, a position he took on at its AGM...

Illegal satellite decoder cards cause serious interference to public safety organizations

telecom | 06/24/2002 4:00 am EDT

Industry Canada is warning the Canadian public that using illegal satellite decoder cards, often referred to as AVR cards, can cause serious interference with communications systems of public safety organizations and those that continue to use the cards will receive appropriate penalties. Following...

RoW International Short Takes

telecom | 06/24/2002 4:00 am EDT

U.S. Senate delays auction of majority of 700 MHz bandThe U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives have passed a bill delaying the auction of the 700 MHz band that was to have begun on June 19. Wrangling over numerous issues, however, has allowed for a partial sale. Eighteen MHz of the band will be auctioned off later this summer. Stipulations in...

RoW Editorial

telecom | 06/24/2002 4:00 am EDT

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. The Canadian government will make a huge mistake if it decides to grant the RCMP, CSIS, and DND what could amount to a blanket exemption from certain parts of the Radiocommunication Act regarding the use of illegal radio jamming devices. They have already been given the right to use these devices, on a...

Potential battle shaping up between Canada and U.S. over satellite spectrum

telecom | 06/24/2002 4:00 am EDT

Canada and the United States could be headed for a battle over valuable, soon-to-be-released satellite spectrum, as both countries vie for the spectrum in the same satellite orbital slot. Spectrum regulatory bodies from both countries have applied for access to the broadcasting-satellite services (BSS) band (17.3-17.8 GHz)...

NL Update

telecom | 06/24/2002 4:00 am EDT

 Group Telecom reacts to reorganizationToronto-based CLEC GT Group Telecom Inc. has updated its financial picture in light of recent developments, including the CRTC’s price cap decision and the company’s own reorganization efforts. The telco is holding discussions with its lenders to reach an understanding on its debt. More details. GT prepares for disruption at KananaskisGT Group Telecom Inc. has plans in...

Opposition to Telus Mobility ESMR petition widespread among industry players

telecom | 06/24/2002 4:00 am EDT

Telus Mobility’s plan to cap spectrum used for its Mike services at 10 MHz in the calculation of its spectrum aggregation limit no matter how much it actually holds is coming under heavy fire from its competitors, which believe such a move would confer an unfair competitive advantage on Telus over themselves. Comments from several industry players, in response to DGTP-003-02, centre on a few key points claiming that Telus doesn’t warrant special treatment for its Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio (ESMR) spectrum holdings (RoW, June 11/02). Telus based its argument on three primary points: ESMR services are different from cellular/PCS services, there are significant technical...

Northwestel and Electrical Workers in talks as strike goes into fourth week

telecom | 06/18/2002 4:00 am EDT

Both formal and informal talks between northern ILEC Northwestel and its striking workers are continuing as the walkout heads into its fourth week. Technicians, operators, and clerical workers from local 1574 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) set up picket lines on May 27. At the time of the...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 06/18/2002 4:00 am EDT

AT&T may appeal price cap ruling, McLennan tells AGMAt the annual general meeting of AT&T Canada Corp., vice-chair/CEO John McLennan said the company was considering its options in regards to the recent price cap ruling of the CRTC. He said there is "the strong possibility of an appeal." The telco predicts its 2002 EBITDA will be higher than its 2001 level of $121 million. Persona buys up Gateway...

NL People

telecom | 06/18/2002 4:00 am EDT

Ursula Menke has left the CRTC as Secretary General, to become deputy commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard. Diane Rhéaume is acting Secretary General.  Christopher Cary has been named EVP corporate strategy and chief marketing officer of Telus Corp. He has worked for AT&T in the U. S., Bell Canada Enterprises, BCI, and Bell Cablemedia in Britain. Linmor Inc. has appointed David Burns VP of strategic...

To Sea and Back: 10 Years After, Where Are We Now?

telecom | 06/18/2002 4:00 am EDT

John McLennan, vice-chair/CEO of AT&T Canada Corp., was a keynote speaker at the 10 Years of Telecom Competiton conference in Toronto. His full speech, an edited version of which appears below, can be found here.  As the theme of this conference is a look back at the first 10 years of competition, at least on the wireline services side of...

NL Editorial

telecom | 06/18/2002 4:00 am EDT

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. The legal/regulatory session of the Celebrating 10 Years of Telecom Competition in Canada conference in Toronto took on a classical approach for a few minutes. Chris Peirce, AT&T Canada Corp.’s senior VP of regulatory & government affairs, had many in the crowd feeling they were back in high school Latin class, as he used several aphorisms to elucidate his presentation.  First up was culpa tenet suos auctores (misconduct should bind its own authors). The new entrants have made mistakes, Peirce conceded, (such as flat rate pricing for LD and paying too much for acquisitions) but so have the ILECs and the CRTC. Causa causae est causa causati (the cause of the cause is the cause of the thing caused) may sound like circular reasoning. But the explanation states that the competitors followed the only business model available to them after LD was opened up. Rate re-balancing, LD and private line forbearance and...

RoW Update

telecom | 06/18/2002 4:00 am EDT

Illegal satellite descrambling cards cause interference to public safety radiocommunications The radio communications networks of law enforcement agencies and emergency response organizations are being interfered with by certain devices used to provide unauthorized access to direct-to-home (DTH) satellite TV signals, Industry Canada has determined. The department began an investigation into the interference issues after...

Price cap ruling – Telcos still grumbling about CRTC price cap ruling, appeals likely

telecom | 06/18/2002 4:00 am EDT

The fallout from the CRTC’s price cap decision is just beginning, as both ILECs and CLECs alike consider their next moves. While no one has formally decided to launch an appeal of Telecom Decision 2002-34, proceedings arising out of the ruling will give all parties further opportunities to attempt...

Competition still in infancy with plenty of problems for incumbents and new entrants

telecom | 06/18/2002 4:00 am EDT

The advent of competition in the telephony market has been a good idea but the implementation leaves much to be desired, representatives of ILECs and CLECs agreed at a conference in Toronto last week. The Celebrating 10 Years of Telecom Competition in Canada meeting, held June 11-12, heralded the release of Telecom Decision...

Price cap ruling – Smaller incumbents face challenges from latest price cap mechanism

telecom | 06/18/2002 4:00 am EDT

The impact of the CRTC’s price cap ruling has been primarily focused on the major players, but the country’s smaller ILECs are saying they shouldn’t be lost in the shuffle because they are affected as well. All three of Canada’s regional telcos tell Network Letter they are disappointed with...

Internet market still in hands of major ISPs, Industry Canada study reveals

telecom | 06/18/2002 4:00 am EDT

The Internet market in Canada is broadly-based, but the vast majority of revenues is going to a select few service providers. That is the major finding of a report prepared for Industry Canada by a Toronto-based polling firm. Pollara Inc. interviewed 277 senior executives of ISPs last December to assemble the...

Canada Wireless Safety Week –

telecom | 06/11/2002 4:00 am EDT

Canada’s wireless lobby confident safe driving message being understood  Recent moves by two Canadian provincial governments to push aside proposed legislation that would ban the use of handheld cell phones while driving is evidence, says Canada’s wireless lobby, that its safe driving message is getting through. The Alberta government defeated...

Federal Cabinet rules against satellite users in fight against contribution regime

telecom | 06/11/2002 4:00 am EDT

Telesat Canada is displeased at a recent federal Cabinet decision turning down an appeal of the contribution regime requiring the satellite operator to pay contribution fees on revenue earned from broadcasters. The decision puts to rest the contentious issue that has dragged on for more than a year, which saw Telesat pass...

Wireless access leads charge in growth of Internet services, new study shows

telecom | 06/11/2002 4:00 am EDT

More than a third of Canadian Internet service providers (ISPs) will be offering wireless access to the Internet within the next 18 months, growing from the current level of about one-quarter, a new study indicates. Industry Framework of Internet Service Providers, commissioned by Industry Canada’s telecommunications...

RoW Short Takes

telecom | 06/11/2002 4:00 am EDT

Telus Mobility launches 1X wireless network Telus Mobility has unveiled its 2.5G wireless CDMA-based wireless network, commonly referred to as 1X. With the launch, the company also introduced its Wireless Velocity service. Wireless surfing speeds of 144 kbps can be attained but the network offers cruising speeds of about 60 kbps. Telus will offer its 1X services through the LG Electronics TM-520 phone and the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555. In its announcement, the company also unveiled two new partnerships. According to a news release, new alliances with Citrix Systems Inc. and Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Ltd. will provide Telus’ corporate customers with an end-to-end mobile computing system. Bell Mobility offers new pre-paid replenishment serviceBell Mobility is teaming up with Soft Tracks Enterprises and Scotiabank to offer Bell Mobility pre-paid subscribers a new method of topping up their account. The service allows subscribers to simply dial in to replenish their account by linking their bank account to their cell phone account. The...

RoW People

telecom | 06/11/2002 4:00 am EDT

Mitec Telecom Inc. has accepted the resignation of three members of its board of directors. Lionel Hurtubise, Bjorn Ohde and Sven Borgstrom tendered their resignations May 31. No reasons were given for their departure. David Grooms has taken over as CEO of Ottawa-based Zucotto Wireless Inc., replacing Mark Wells who will become the company’s chair of the board of directors and chief strategist. Grooms is the former...

RoW International Short Takes

telecom | 06/11/2002 4:00 am EDT

House of Reps criticizes federal agencies' stalling tacticsA U.S. House of Representatives panel has leveled some harsh criticism at a number of federal agencies over their stalling tactics in approving the use of ultra wide-band (UWB) technology. "I watched certain government bureaucrats and certain industries try their absolute best to stifle...

RoW Editorioal

telecom | 06/11/2002 4:00 am EDT

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. When Telus Mobility went live with its 1X 2.5G wireless network earlier this month, it marked a watershed event in the history of the Canadian wireless industry. All four national operators are now offering 2.5G services, and residents in nearly every major centre in the country can subscribe to...

Department soon to initiate call for interest in launching new DBS satellite

telecom | 06/11/2002 4:00 am EDT

Within the next couple of weeks, Industry Canada will initiate a call for expressions of interest to launch and operate a new direct broadcast service (DBS) satellite using the soon-to-be-available broadcasting satellite service (BSS) band (17.3-17.8 GHz). At the beginning of April, the government filed documents with the...

Rogers Wireless introduces click-to-content service simplifying wireless data access

telecom | 06/11/2002 4:00 am EDT

Rogers Wireless Communications Inc. is hoping to make it easier for a broader group of its subscribers to access wireless data services with the introduction of new pound-pound (#-#) technology developed by U.S.-based Infospace Inc. The technology, already in use in some European countries, also allows older handset users to access interactive content and services, allowing Rogers to market the services to its entire digital PCS subscriber base. Instead of scrolling through text-based menus in the WAP (wireless application protocol) environment, users can now double click the "number" key followed by another number to get access to weather forecasts, sports scores, or movie...

NL Update

telecom | 06/10/2002 4:00 am EDT

 Telus to cut staff as it determines fallout from price cap rulingTelus Corp. disclosed last week that it estimates the CRTC’s price cap decision will cost it $45 million this year and $75 million thereafter. As a result, it will offer a voluntary layoff package to its workers to cut costs. AT&T Canada notes downgradedMoody’s Investors Service has lowered the rating on senior unsecured notes from...

ILECs, CLECs generally unhappy with CRTC price cap ruling, appeals likely

telecom | 06/03/2002 4:00 am EDT

Reaction was swift and generally negative to the CRTC’s May 30 price cap ruling – a landmark decision that will have major implications on the competitive landscape in the telecom sector.  While industry players cautioned that their statements immediately following the decision were preliminary until they had time...

CRTC price cap decision sets new service categories, endorses SIPs

telecom | 06/03/2002 4:00 am EDT

The CRTC’s price cap ruling is a lengthy and complex document bursting with detail. It’s not surprising then that the commission took the unusual step of hiring an outsider, Ottawa communications lawyer Chris Taylor, to help with the writing of Telecom Decision 2002-34, Regulatory framework for second price cap...

FTTH on horizon as telecoms, equipment manufacturers look for next-gen product

telecom | 06/03/2002 4:00 am EDT

Fibre to the home (FTTH) may well be the next big thing in the telecom world, but it is still years away from being commercially viable. That hasn’t stopped at least one manufacturer, however, from unveiling a new product to provide FTTH to private customers and small businesses. Several sessions at the Metro...

Consumers ready for new Internet products, tiered service plans, survey finds

telecom | 06/03/2002 4:00 am EDT

There is consumer support for IP telephony services, a new study finds, despite the slow developments in the area. Much of the anticipated growth, however, will not come about until the technology improves, the report notes.  That was one of the findings in State-of-the-Net: High-Speed Internet, a new report by NFO...

Satellite users’ appeal on contribution decision rejected by Cabinet

telecom | 06/03/2002 4:00 am EDT

Canada’s broadcasters will have to continue to subsidize local telephone service in high-cost serving areas such as rural and remote regions of the country, according to a federal Cabinet ruling. Last week, it ruled that Telesat Canada’s broadcasting revenue is not exempt from the current contribution regime.  The...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 06/03/2002 4:00 am EDT

Teleglobe American operations file for Chapter 11 protectionTeleglobe Inc.’s American subsidiaries filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. An earlier application for creditor protection had been denied by the courts (NL Update, May 27/02). The firm is under protection here and in the UK.  Nortel sheds a further 3,500 jobs, predicts lower revenuesNortel Networks Corp. released comments...

Better balance has been achieved in new price cap regime: David Colville

telecom | 06/03/2002 4:00 am EDT

David Colville, CRTC vice-chair of telecommunications, spoke on behalf of the commission following the release of Telecom Decision 2002-34. Here is an edited version of his remarks. The full speech can be found on the CRTC web site.  Looking back over the past four years, it is clear that for the most part, price...

NL Editorial

telecom | 06/03/2002 4:00 am EDT

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. The fallout from the price cap decision will continue for several weeks and months to come. No facet of the industry can expect things to remain the same.  The initial concern is with the competitors. They staked their very survival on a favourable outcome. When that did not come, the stock market punished them. Call-Net Enterprises Inc. saw its shares plummet immediately following the ruling. AT&T remained steady, but that was only because AT&T Corp. of the United States suggested it would bail out its Canadian counterpart. Such a rescue cannot occur without changing the foreign ownership limits. At one time, those amendments seemed to be on the federal government’s radar. But the recent games of musical chairs around the Cabinet table has made changes to the restrictions a lesser priority. Changes could be forthcoming at the boardroom tables, as well. Some telecom executives may not have the...

RoW Update

telecom | 06/03/2002 4:00 am EDT

Industry Canada revises spectrum policy framework, seeks public inputIndustry Canada has released an updated version of its spectrum policy framework that sets out the core objectives and policy guidelines of the department’s spectrum policy and management program. Over the last number of years, there have been several changes since the department issued its 1992 Spectrum Policy Framework for Canada, such as the...

NL Update – Special Edition

telecom | 05/30/2002 4:00 am EDT

Consumers winners in CRTC’s new price cap regime The CRTC price cap decision released this afternoon featured something to disappoint everyone – Telecom Decision 2002-34. It denied rate increases for the ILECs, but gave the CLECs a smaller reduction in the fees they pay incumbents to use their networks than they had wanted. The new price cap regime,...

RoW Special Edition Update

telecom | 05/28/2002 4:00 am EDT

Federal Cabinet rules against broadcasters in fight on contribution regime  Telesat Canada’s broadcasting revenue is not exempt from the current contribution regime, the federal Cabinet ruled today, striking down an appeal to the Governor in Council by several broadcasting interests. The Canadian Association of Broadcasters, the Canadian Satellite Users’ Association, and Star Choice Television Network Inc. filed...

NL Update– Special Edition

telecom | 05/28/2002 4:00 am EDT

Federal Cabinet rules against broadcasters in fight on contribution regime  Telesat Canada’s broadcasting revenue is not exempt from the current contribution regime, the federal Cabinet ruled today, striking down an appeal to the Governor in Council by several broadcasting interests. The Canadian Association of Broadcasters, the Canadian...

NL Update

telecom | 05/27/2002 4:00 am EDT

 Price cap decision to be released ThursdayThe CRTC is issuing its long-awaited price cap decision this coming Thursday, May 30. The ruling is rumoured to be the largest in the commission’s history in terms of number of pages, and will have a significant impact on the telecom industry. Network Letter will provide full coverage of the decision after its release. More details. Northwestel hit by strikeThe International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has begun a strike against northern ILEC Northwestel. The telco says it has provisions in place to continue service despite the walkout. More details. Teleglobe filing delayedBattered carrier Teleglobe Inc. announced last week that it would not be filing its annual financial statements for fiscal year 2001 by the required dates. The company is currently under creditor protection in Canada and Britain. A similar application in the United States has been stymied by the courts, although the firm says it expects a decree to be granted by tomorrow. More details. BCI delisted...

Ontario toll operator expresses concerns over proposed ITS frequency allocation

telecom | 05/27/2002 4:00 am EDT

Industry Canada is proposing to allocate the 5850-5925 MHz band for intelligent transportation systems, but the 407 ETR Concession Company Ltd. has some reservations about the proposed move. While the group generally supports such an allocation, it wants the department to address some of its concerns. The following is an...

Telus Mobility wants ESMR spectrum out of spectrum cap rules; greater flexibility

telecom | 05/27/2002 4:00 am EDT

Telus Mobility wants Industry Canada to change the way it calculates spectrum aggregation limits, prior to a full scale review of the spectrum cap. The company has filed an application with the department asking it to either remove ESMR (Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio) spectrum holdings from spectrum cap calculations or...

RoW Editorial

telecom | 05/27/2002 4:00 am EDT

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. Struggling wireless content developers should be eyeing carefully a new application with which to market their products and services – one for which there may actually be a business case for their content and their expertise. An upstart Montreal-based company wants to broadcast live sporting and...

More licence-exempt 5 GHz spectrum needed, groups tell Industry Canada

telecom | 05/27/2002 4:00 am EDT

The Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA) is urging Industry Canada to designate more licence-free spectrum in the 5 GHz range for wireless local area network (LAN) systems to expand broadband communications in the country. The growing U.S. wireless lobby group, which now counts about 135 members globally, has the...

Allocate dedicated spectrum for public safety purposes, Industry Canada told

telecom | 05/27/2002 4:00 am EDT

Several high-profile organizations are asking Industry Canada to set aside a slice of airwaves in the upper 4 GHz band to support public safety operations as the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has already done. Two public safety groups and one major equipment vendor want the department to designate 50 MHz...

Allocate dedicated spectrum for public safety purposes, Industry Canada told

telecom | 05/27/2002 4:00 am EDT

Several high-profile organizations are asking Industry Canada to set aside a slice of airwaves in the upper 4 GHz band to support public safety operations as the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has already done. Two public safety groups and one major equipment vendor want the department to designate 50 MHz...

Quebec company applies to offer mobile broadcasting of sporting and other events

telecom | 05/27/2002 4:00 am EDT

An upstart Quebec company is asking the CRTC to grant it a licence to broadcast sporting and other events to mobile devices along with related interactive content – Broadcasting Notice of Public Hearing 2002-6. In its application to the commission, World Audio-Visual Entertainment Systems (W.A.V.E.S.) of St-Eustache QC...

Cabinet decision on contribution appeal imminent, say wireless leaders

telecom | 05/27/2002 4:00 am EDT

The federal Cabinet has until the end of this week to make a decision on an appeal of the CRTC’s contribution regime, initiated by several broadcasting interests last summer. The petition to the Governor in Council was launched last August by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, the Canadian Satellite Users’...

RoW Short Takes

telecom | 05/27/2002 4:00 am EDT

Rogers Wireless launches wireless modem serviceRogers Wireless Communications Inc. has introduced the Portage Plus service, which enables certain GSM/GPRS devices to operate as modems for laptops or PDAs. The service is specifically designed for certain phones that are equipped with software that turns the cell phone into a modem. Subscribers can send and receive data at speeds comparable to that of a 56K modem. The cost of Portage Plus is $129.99. Data access plans range from 5Mb of data for $30/month to 80Mb for $145/month. Overage fees vary according to rate plan. Rogers is marketing an introductory offer of unlimited data usage for $50/month for the first six months. In other Rogers news, Purolator Courier Ltd. has selected the company to provide a customized end-to-end wireless data system enabling the quick and reliable access to shipping information. Aliant Telecom makes major investment in NBAliant Telecom Mobility has confirmed a $2.8-million investment to upgrade and expand its digital PCS network in the Acadian Peninsula...

RoW People

telecom | 05/27/2002 4:00 am EDT

Teleglobe president Charles Childers has resigned. The company has appointed John Brunette CEO as the company undertakes a massive restructuring. Previously, he was the company’s executive VP and chief administrative officer. Two weeks ago the company filed for bankruptcy protection. Teleglobe has also appointed former executive VP of voice Serge Fortin to the COO post. He will be pegged to lead the core voice and...

Supreme Court to hear cable industry appeal on access to electric utility poles

telecom | 05/21/2002 4:00 am EDT

The Canadian Cable Television Association (CCTA) has won an important legal battle in its efforts to gain affordable access to electric utility poles, a ruling that is a win for cablecos and telcos alike. Last week, the Supreme Court of Canada granted the association leave to appeal a lower court ruling on access to the...

Teleglobe move to creditor protection unlikely to cause LD upheaval for ILECs

telecom | 05/21/2002 4:00 am EDT

Teleglobe Inc.’s move to creditor protection should not have a major impact on the overseas LD service of Canadian ILECs. Most of them say they are in the process of making other arrangements or that they have little exposure. Within hours of the May 15 announcement by Teleglobe that it had received protection in...

ILECs using CISC to delay implementation of CRTC orders, AT&T Canada charges

telecom | 05/21/2002 4:00 am EDT

A battle is brewing between CLECs and ILECs over access to unbundled local loops. While initial hopes were for the matter to be settled by the CRTC ex parte, the commission is weighing the evidence presented by many parties on both sides of the issue. AT&T Canada Corp. had filed a request with the CRTC at the end...

Research company is hopeful on long-term prospects for Nortel Networks

telecom | 05/21/2002 4:00 am EDT

While Nortel Networks Corp. is being presented as the poster boy for the telecom slump, at least one research firm is optimistic of the equipment manufacturer’s long-term survival. Toronto-based Independent Equity Research Corp., operating under the name eResearch, says in a recently released report that despite Nortel’s troubles, it is still in a strong competitive position. "We have eschewed the normal practice of dwelling on the near-term outlook since there is only limited visibility for the next year or so," eResearch analyst Marcia Wisniewski writes. "We have concluded that despite the dire predictions of the daily press, Nortel should indeed...

RoW Update

telecom | 05/21/2002 4:00 am EDT

 Telus Mobility wants ESMR spectrum treated differently under spectrum cap rulesTelus Mobility wants Industry Canada to change the way it calculates spectrum aggregation limits. The company has filed an application with the department asking it to either remove ESMR spectrum holdings from spectrum cap calculations or artificially cap a company’s entire holdings at 10 MHz. Industry Canada has now launched a public...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 05/21/2002 4:00 am EDT

Manitoba Telecom starts digital TV trial in WinnipegManitoba Telecom Services Inc. has begun the initial rollout of its digital TV service. 200 subscribers in Winnipeg are watching television through DSL lines (NL, Feb. 11/02). The trial is scheduled to last six to eight months. Industry observers will find the move interesting since the CRTC has yet to approve MTS’ application for a broadcast distribution licence. For...

NL People

telecom | 05/21/2002 4:00 am EDT

As part of the reorganization at Teleglobe, John Brunette has been appointed CEO. He is the former EVP/chief administrative officer. EVP of voice Serge Fortin has been named COO. Charles Childers, who became president of the BCE division earlier this year (NL, Jan. 29/02), has resigned.  Michael Sabia has relinquished his role as COO of BCE Inc. to John Sheridan, who will continue as president of Bell Canada. Stephen...

Supreme Court grants leave to appeal decision on utility pole access by cablecos

telecom | 05/21/2002 4:00 am EDT

On May 16, the Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal by cablecos over access to utility company poles. Jennifer Fong, a lawyer with Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, provides Network Letter with this assessment of the case. Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt represents Bell West (formerly Bell Intrigna) in its proceeding against...

NL Editorial

telecom | 05/21/2002 4:00 am EDT

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. It’s time to check the milk cartons to see if Allan Rock’s picture is on the side. The government should really do something to find the Industry minister, who appears to be missing.  In February Rock and his colleague Human Resources Development minister Jane Stewart unveiled the federal...

NL Update– Special Edition

telecom | 05/16/2002 4:00 am EDT

Supreme Court grants cable industry leave to appeal pole access decision  The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to hear an appeal from the Canadian Cable Television Association (CCTA) over access to electric utility poles. In a decision released this morning, three justices granted leave to appeal with costs to the applicant. It is not known when...

No shortage of spectrum; lack of business case for wireless access, says CCTA

telecom | 05/13/2002 4:00 am EDT

The Canadian Cable Television Association writes that there are more important things to do than for Industry Canada to change spectrum rules to accommodate wireless access to the Internet. The following is an edited excerpt of the CCTA’s comments to the department concerning DGTP 001-02, which is reviewing certain...

RoW Editorial

telecom | 05/13/2002 4:00 am EDT

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. Microcell’s difficulties have been widely reported in recent days following the release of its latest quarterly results. Suggestions of mergers and renegotiating debt agreements litter the business and technology press. With the addition of only 26,566 new subscribers in Q1 of this year,...

Contradictory rulings frustrate wireless industry; better understanding needed

telecom | 05/13/2002 4:00 am EDT

Two recent contradictory contribution rulings demonstrate that the various government bodies that regulate the wireless industry are still struggling to understand the full nature of how the industry operates. Last month, the CRTC reaffirmed a previous staff decision that said carriers can’t use monthly service revenue to cover the full cost of terminals for contribution purposes (RoW, April 16/02). In a separate but related decision, however, the Ontario government’s Retail Sales Tax Branch ruled that carriers can, in fact, use a portion of subscriber service revenue and attribute it to handset revenue for tax purposes. The crux of the provincial ruling is the handset subsidy...

Government’s “beauty contest” rules under fire from communications law experts

telecom | 05/13/2002 4:00 am EDT

A noted communications lawyer and academic has once again criticized the way Industry Canada awards spectrum licences through a comparative review process, more commonly known as "beauty contests". Hudson Janisch, a professor of law at the University of Toronto and one of the most...

Atsana takes next step in launching multi-media processors; inks development deal

telecom | 05/13/2002 4:00 am EDT

Atsana Semiconductor Corp. is confident that a recently signed co-development agreement with a major U.S.-based camera-on-a-chip company will translate into larger deals with handset and wireless device OEMs. Last month, the Ottawa-based multimedia processor developer (formerly known as Lumic Electronics) inked an agreement...

NL Update

telecom | 05/13/2002 4:00 am EDT

Teleglobe reportedly considering bankruptcy and layoffsTeleglobe Inc. is preparing to lay off up to 800 workers this week and may opt for bankruptcy before next week, the Washington Post reports. Spokesmen for Teleglobe and consulting firm Crossroads LLC, which is advising the telecom company, were selective in which media they spoke with, but refused to confirm or deny anything. More details. AT&T Canada and...

Telus Mobility to sell Ascendent Telecom’s WirelessConnect to corporate customers

telecom | 05/13/2002 4:00 am EDT

Telus Mobility has added a new application to aggressively expand its corporate customer base as it rolls out its new Wireless Office service. The head of Telus’ enterprise wireless business says that an exclusive agreement with Ascendent Telecom to market that company’s WirelessConnect product will give it an advantage...

Broadcast lobby tells government to stay away from airborne TV pick-up spectrum

telecom | 05/13/2002 4:00 am EDT

The Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) wants Industry Canada to leave the current allocation for TV pick-up alone and not make additional allocations within the same band. The CAB was commenting on the department’s proposed changes to spectrum in the 3 GHz to 30 GHz frequency range (RoW Update, Jan. 28/02). In DGTP 001-02, Industry Canada is proposing to add an allocation for airborne TV pick-up applications in the 6-8 GHz range, which is currently used for TV pick-up. But the CAB, which represents private broadcasters, says that’s a bad move. "Introducing airborne operations into the current TV pick-up band 6930-7125 MHz would be impossible for congested markets...

RoW Short Takes

telecom | 05/13/2002 4:00 am EDT

Decima Publishing April 2002 Reader PollThe Canadian Cable Television Association (CCTA) has proposed a number of reforms to the CRTC as part of a broader Parliamentary review of the Broadcasting Act. The following chart illustrates the most important changes needed, according to an informal poll of Decima Publishing readers. Making the regulatory process more open, transparent and accountable had the highest rating with...

RoW People

telecom | 05/13/2002 4:00 am EDT

Two weeks after Michael Sabia took the reins at BCE Inc., he shuffled some senior executives. David McLennan has been appointed CFO of Bell Canada moving from the post of president of Bell ExpressVu, which has been taken over by Tim McGee. McGee, who was most recently chief legal officer, has his old post taken over by Richard Mannion. Communications and Information Technology Ontario (CITO) has appointed Frank...

NL People

telecom | 05/07/2002 4:00 am EDT

Michael Sabia has been named CEO of BCE Inc. following the resignation of Jean Monty. Sabia will continue in his roles of president/COO of BCE and COO of Bell Canada. He also succeeds Monty as chair of BCE Emergis. Richard Currie will serve as non-executive chair of BCE. Currie is also part of the management slate of directors up for election. Joining him on the team are Anthony Fell, Thomas Kierans, Brian Levitt, Judith...

Telecom Carriers and Privacy: “Collateral Damage” in the War on Terrorism?

telecom | 05/07/2002 4:00 am EDT

David Elder, assistant general counsel at Bell Canada, made this presentation at the New Developments in Communications Law and policy conference in Ottawa in April. Excerpts of the paper follow. A copy of the entire document is available here.  Certainly, the long-standing Parties to...

NL Editorial

telecom | 05/07/2002 4:00 am EDT

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports.A recent public opinion poll found that 69 per cent of Canadians thought governments in this country are corrupt. We’re guessing the other 31 per cent merely dismiss our governors as stupid.  Residents of Ontario are left scratching their heads after the recent machinations of their government. In...

Teleglobe being shopped around as parent BCE halts future funding

telecom | 05/07/2002 4:00 am EDT

Management and investors in Teleglobe Inc. are rushing to keep the company afloat following the decision by BCE Inc. to cut its ties to the troubled company. Reports indicate there is some interest in the carrier, but how strong that interest is, and whether it is for the entire operation or only selected parts, is...

Communications law and policy conference –Duty to disclose provisions of terrorist law subject to intense debate at session

telecom | 05/07/2002 4:00 am EDT

The obligation of telecom carriers to report suspicious activity under the government’s recent anti-terrorism legislation was a matter of dispute at a recent communications law conference in Ottawa. Some worry that onerous duties are being placed on the telcos, while the government maintains the...

Communications law and policy conference – Support grows for evolutionary change in telecom regulation procedures

telecom | 05/07/2002 4:00 am EDT

 There is an appetite for tinkering with the membership and the mandate of the CRTC, but those changes should be gradual, a recent communications law and policy conference was told. Recent events have shown support for the commission to be altered through evolution rather than...

Financial reports – Telecoms report moderate success as they release earnings statements

telecom | 05/07/2002 4:00 am EDT

 Several telecommunications firms have recently released their latest financial statements with most of them issuing first quarter 2002 results. The lone exception, however, is SaskTel, which produced its annual report.  Telus Corp.The country’s second-largest telco reported consolidated revenue growth of two per cent in Q1 2002. Total revenue was basically flat at $1.3 billion. The company attributed this chiefly to a decline in contribution revenues of $97 million. Data revenue increased by 28 per cent, or $75 million, while other revenues jumped 15 per cent, or $13 million. Local voice revenue increased by $21.2 million, or 4.2 per cent, compared to a year earlier. Price...