ARCHIVED -  Telecom Order CRTC 96-1124

Telecom Order

Ottawa, 10 October 1996

Telecom Order CRTC 96-1124

IN THE MATTER OF applications by Telehop Long Distance Service Ltd. (Telehop) dated 17 July 1996, for contribution exemption with respect to: (a) three Centrex systems (Barrie, Mount Albert and Sutton) used for administrative and data purposes; (b) a Centrex system located in Moonstone used for single-hop and double-hop calling; and (c) a Centrex system located in Alliston used for administrative, data, and double-hop calling.

Reference: 96-2307

WHEREAS by letter dated 5 August 1996, Bell Canada (Bell) stated that: (a) the three Centrex systems (Barrie, Mount Albert and Sutton) are used for administrative, data and double-hop calling; (b) Moonstone is used for single-hop and double-hop calling; and (c) Alliston is used for administrative, data, and double-hop calling;

WHEREAS Bell stated that in all instances, Telehop controls the routing of traffic over the multiple virtual facilities groups (VFGs) through equipment which Telehop controls and maintains;

WHEREAS Bell noted that pursuant to Applications for Contribution Exemptions, Telecom Decision CRTC 93-2, 1 April 1993 (Decision 93-2), the Commission identified that, in certain cases, it would require a technical audit of a configuration where the reseller's equipment controls the routing of traffic over multiple VFGs, some of which attract contribution charges;

WHEREAS Bell submitted that an independent technical audit is required to verify the usage and separation of administrative, single-hop and double-hop services, and the separation of voice and data services, where applicable;

WHEREAS Bell also submitted that the auditor should: (a) verify the accuracy of the switching data in the software tables which controls the routing of traffic; (b) determine the existence and nature of control procedures in place to ensure continued compliance of the configuration to the conditions under which a contribution exemption may be granted; and (c) provide a sworn affidavit that the person is a registered engineer affirming that the information provided in the audit report accurately reflects the results of the audit, and that the service configuration has been adequately described by the applicant;

WHEREAS Bell submitted that Telehop should be required to provide technical audits for all five systems in question;

WHEREAS Bell submitted that Telehop's applications for contribution exemption should be deferred pending receipt of a technical audit and the filing of Bell's reply comments;

WHEREAS by letter dated 14 August 1996, Telehop maintained that the three Centrex systems (Barrie, Mount Albert, and Sutton) are not used for double-hop calling and terminate on Meridian 5312 telephone sets and that Bell has complete control and awareness of the routing of traffic;

WHEREAS Telehop stated that it will conduct a technical audit at Moonstone;

WHEREAS Telehop maintained that the Alliston system has the capability of double-hopping but that it does not control the routing of traffic over these VFGs and that the only equipment at that site is a Meridian 5312 telephone set;

WHEREAS by letter dated 19 September 1996, Bell acknowledged that it provides Meridian terminal equipment at the Alliston, Barrie, Mount Albert and Sutton sites, but that it does not control the routing of traffic over the multiple VFGs and maintained that a technical audit at these sites is still required;

WHEREAS the Commission is of the view that technical audits are required at each site to verify the usage and separation of administrative, single-hop, and double-hop circuits and the separation of voice and data services, where applicable, according to the Commission's evidentiary requirements set out in Decision 93-2; and

WHEREAS, consistent with its past practice, the Commission is of the view that Telehop's application should be granted interim approval, with final approval subject to receipt of satisfactory technical audits and the filing of Bell's reply comments -

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:

1. Telehop is directed to provide technical audits for each site within 60 days which verify the usage and separation of administrative, single-hop and double-hop services and the separation of voice and data services, where applicable.

2. The auditor is to: (a) verify the accuracy of the switching data in the software tables which controls the routing of traffic; (b) determine the existence and nature of control procedures in place to ensure continued compliance of the configuration to the conditions under which a contribution exemption may be granted; and (c) provide a sworn affidavit that the person is a registered engineer affirming that the information provided in the audit report accurately reflects the results of the audit and that the service configuration has been adequately described by the applicant.

3. Telehop's application is granted interim approval, with final approval subject to receipt of technical audits that, in the Commission's view, are satisfactory.

Allan J. Darling
Secretary General