ARCHIVED - Order CRTC 2001-452
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Order CRTC 2001-452 |
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Ottawa, 6 June 2001 |
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Billing and collection service |
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Reference: TCI TN 272 and TCBC TN 4097 |
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1. |
TELUS Communications Inc. (TCI) and TELUS Communications (B.C.) Inc. (TCBC) filed applications proposing revisions to their respective tariffs, and billing and collection services agreements to: |
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a) allow for the option of providing billing and collection service through a clearinghouse that would act on behalf of an interexchange carrier (IXC) or a reseller; and |
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b) ensure that the tariffs accurately reflect the industry's standard billing and collection services agreement. TCI and TCBC also recommended that the Commission revise the industry's standard agreement to allow clearinghouses to be used in other territories. |
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2. |
Bell Canada, Island Telecom Inc., Maritime Tel & Tel Limited, MTS Communications Inc., NBTel Inc., NewTel Communications Inc. and Saskatchewan Telecommunications (collectively, Bell Canada et al.) filed comments with respect to both applications. Canopco Inc. filed comments regarding TCI's application. |
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The interveners supported the proposed revisions. Bell Canada et al. submitted that the revisions would provide an alternative to the requirement for every IXC and reseller to establish separate billing and collection agreements with every local exchange carrier (LEC). Bell Canada et al. submitted that the revisions should apply to the entire industry and that the Commission should initiate steps to address these changes within the industry. |
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4. |
Canopco submitted that the Commission should establish a process to ensure that uniform billing and collection services are offered by all LECs. The Commission is not persuaded that such a process is required. The Commission notes that the incumbent local exchange carriers and competitive local exchange carriers provide billing and collection services in accordance with the terms of the industry's standard agreement. In addition, the Commission notes that the independent telephone companies provide billing and collection services pursuant to tariffs and agreements approved by the Commission. |
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Canopco sought clarification respecting billing and collection arrangements with the former Stentor companies. In reply, TCI and TCBC submitted that the tariffed service is available to all long-distance service providers that meet the eligibility requirements and are prepared to enter into their respective billing and collection services agreements. The Commission notes that the billing and collection service tariffs apply to all IXCs and resellers, including the former Stentor companies that provide long-distance service in TCI and TCBC territories. |
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Canopco raised concerns with respect to certain terms in the industry's standard agreement, which was adopted by TCI and TCBC. The Commission considers that issues related to the industry's standard agreement should be addressed within the CRTC Interconnection Steering Committee (CISC) framework, as this was the forum in which the agreement was developed. |
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The Commission approves, on an interim basis, the proposed modifications to TCI's and TCBC's tariffs, and their respective billing and collection services agreements. The proposal to modify the industry's standard agreement to allow for the option of using a clearinghouse, any technical issues related to this option and issues regarding the terms and conditions in the industry's standard agreement should be addressed within the CISC framework. |
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Secretary General |
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This document is available in alternative format upon request and may also be examined at the following Internet site: www.crtc.gc.ca |
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