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Order CRTC 2000-256
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Ottawa, 5 April 2000
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Withdrawal of Remote Radio Service in Ontario
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Reference: Bell Canada
Tariff Notice 6416
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1.
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The Commission approves Bell's request to withdraw remote high frequency Radio Service in Ontario conditional on Bell reimbursing $1,000 to each person in Ontario who was a subscriber to that service on 8 December 1999. The money is to be used to defray the costs, whether equipment, lease or other costs, of subscribing to an alternative service.
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2.
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Bell stated that it applied to withdraw this service because it relies on older technology and obsolete equipment which is increasingly costly and difficult to maintain. Bell further indicated that the number of subscribers to this service and their usage has declined by more than 50% since 1996.
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3.
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At the time of its application, Bell's service had 43 subscribers. By letter dated 8 December 1999, Bell advised these customers of its application, provided information on alternate suppliers and provided information on how to send their comments to the Commission.
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4.
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Bell also advised each subscriber it would pay up to $1,000 towards the cost of equipment required to replace its Remote Radio Service. Two subscribers commented, one of whom opposed the withdrawal. Both subscribers considered that Bell's offer of $1,000 does not provide sufficient reimbursement. The Commission notes this amount would cover all or most of the cost of terminal equipment for a subscriber who selects a radiotelephone alternative and a lesser portion of the cost of terminal equipment for the satellite technology alternatives. These alternative technologies also provide higher quality services than Remote Radio Service.
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5.
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The Commission's approval of Bell Canada TN 6416 is based on the specific circumstances of this case and does not affect Bell's obligation to serve.
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6.
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The Commission's approval will take effect 21 days after Bell mails written notice to persons who were subscribers on the date of Bell's application (8 December 1999), advising them of the day on which the service will be withdrawn. In its letter, Bell is to further advise subscribers that it will reimburse each subscriber $1,000 of the cost of subscribing to an alternate service supplier, the money to be used to defray the costs, whether equipment, lease or other costs, of subscribing to the alternative service.
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Secretary General
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This document is available in alternative format upon request and may also be viewed at the following Internet site: http://www.crtc.gc.ca
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