|
|
|
Ottawa, 18 August 1998
|
|
Telecom Order CRTC 98-805
|
|
On 20 January 1998, BC TEL filed an application for approval of tariff revisions to General Tariff Item 29, pertaining to the introduction of Wireless Local Loop Exchange Service.
|
|
File No.: Tariff Notice 3756
|
|
1.The above proposal was approved by Telecom Order CRTC 98-144 (Order
98-144), 13 February 1998.
|
|
2.However, the Commission received interventions from Microcell Telecommunications Inc. dated 16 February 1998, and from Clearnet Communications Inc. (Clearnet) dated 18 February 1998. BC TEL responded on 12 March 1998. Further comments were received from Rogers Cantel Inc. (Cantel) dated 7 April 1998.
|
|
3.As these comments were not considered in the proceeding leading to Order 98-144, the Commission has considered de novo BC TEL's application in light of the comments and reply comments filed.
|
|
4.The Commission notes that Cantel's comments were received significantly after the 30 day comment period for this application and the Commission therefore has not considered them as part of the record of this proceeding.
|
|
5.In its General Tariff, BC TEL describes Wireless Local Loop Exchange Service as individual line exchange service which is furnished using wireless technology.
|
|
6.The interventions centered on BC TEL's use of a radio frequency in the 800 MHz band, which is assigned to cellular mobile service, and stated concern about possible undue preference arising from the company obtaining the underlying facilities from its affiliate BC TEL Mobility Cellular Inc. (BC TEL Mobility).
|
|
7.Clearnet also expressed concern regarding how the use of wireless loops would affect the tariffed rates for unbundled local loops and possible implications for the subsidy to residence subscribers in BC TEL territory.
|
|
8.The Commission notes that BC TEL stated that the agreement to obtain the underlying facilities for this service from BC TEL Mobility reflects standard inter-entity pricing and will be filed as part of its quarterly Intercorporate Transaction Report. As such, the Commission considers that there is no undue preference.
|
|
9.The Commission further notes that BC TEL will use Wireless Local Loop Exchange Service only in rural and remote areas where traditional loop technologies would be too costly.
|
|
10.On the basis of the record of this proceeding the Commission is satisfied that the proposed tariff revisions are appropriate. Accordingly, the Commission orders that Tariff Notice 3756 is approved on a de novo basis.
|
|
Laura M. Talbot-Allan
Secretary General
|
|
This document is available in alternative format upon request.
|
|
|