ARCHIVED - Order CRTC 2001-207

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Order CRTC 2001-207

 

Ottawa, 9 March 2001

 

CRTC gives final approval to changes proposed by Bell Canada to broaden the scope of 900 service

 

Reference: Tariff Notice 726 (NST), 8340-B20-0523/00 and 8340-B20-0524/00

1.

On 2 June 2000, Bell Canada, on behalf of itself, Island Telecom Inc., MTS Communications Inc., Maritime Tel & Tel Limited, NBTel Inc., NewTel Communications Inc., TELUS Communications (B.C.) Inc. and TELUS Communications Inc., (the companies), filed an application under Tariff Notice 726 to broaden the scope of Advantage 900 Service.

2.

The companies proposed to broaden the scope of Advantage 900 service by permitting, for all types of programs, the provision of services or value in telephone calls subsequent to a 900 call (subsequent value programs or SVP). SVP applications include as a sub-category, Personal Identification Number (PIN) applications, in which a PIN is assigned during the 900 call to allow access to the SVP. For all subsequent value calls, the 900 number is used to purchase entitlement to a fixed block of time on a variety of telephone-delivered services.

3.

In addition, the companies proposed to introduce, on a promotional basis, a service charge waiver from 3 July 2000 to 30 September 2000, associated with new subsequent value programs.

4.

In order to ensure continued low chargebacks and effective content control on subsequent value programs, the companies proposed two safeguards, namely limitations on charging levels and a requirement for full disclosure of associated telephone services and content.

5.

The companies proposed a per-call limit of $25 for Advantage 900 programs that provide subsequent value, in order to manage potential chargeback levels and discourage fraud.

6.

The companies also proposed that the program description provided by the service provider, as part of its application, must include a complete list of any and all telephone numbers through which services or value may be accessed, and that this description must be promptly updated as necessary.

7.

On 30 June 2000, in Order CRTC 2000-612, the Commission approved the companies' application on an interim basis effective 3 July 2000.

8.

On 8 August 2000, the Commission issued Public Notice CRTC 2000-114 which sought comments on Tariff Notice 726, including proposed safeguards associated with Advantage 900 subsequent value programs.

9.

The Commission did not receive any comments.

10.

The Commission considers it appropriate to grant final approval to the changes proposed by the companies to broaden the scope of Advantage 900 service. The Commission is of the view that such proposals, together with the disclosure requirements referred to in paragraph 6 above, will benefit 900 service providers and their customers.

11.

Accordingly, the Commission approves, on a final basis, the changes to the Advantage 900 service tariff, to the Advantage 900 Service Provider Agreement and to the Advantage 900 Accounts Receivable Management Agreement which were filed under Tariff Notice 726.

 

Secretary General

 

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