ARCHIVED - Telecom Order CRTC 2003-166

Telecom Order CRTC 2003-166

Ottawa, 29 April 2003

TELUS Communications Inc.

Reference: Tariff Notice 95

Occasional use broadcast quality video service - NewsRoute

1.

The Commission received an application by TELUS Communications Inc. (TCI), dated 19 March 2003, to migrate the former TCI General Tarif item 415.4.5, Television News Gathering Network, and the former TELUS Communications (B.C.) Inc. (TCBC) General Tariff item 416-A, Occasional Use Broadcast Quality Video Service - NewsRoute, to the TCI General Tariff item 515, Occasional Use Broadcast Quality Video Service - NewsRoute.

2.

In its application, TCI proposed to restructure, simplify and align the rates, terms and conditions for the provision of NewsRoute in Alberta and British Columbia as follows:

· by adopting the TCBC item 416-A service name and conditions, including the existing service cancellation/rescheduling provisions and charges for service in Alberta and British Columbia;

· by replacing the existing complex distance/duration-sensitive structure in Alberta and British Columbia with a simple flat-rate duration-only structure, in 15-minute increments, regardless of distance or location;

· by adopting the existing British Columbia lowest offer of 15 minutes per usage, with the first 15-minute rate, or part thereof, proposed at $150;

· by simplifying the rate restructure by eliminating the existing additional $30 service charge applicable in Alberta and the existing maximum charges applicable to the distance/duration-dependent rates in British Columbia;

· by eliminating the existing additional audio channels option in British Columbia due to the lack of technical need or demand; and

· by eliminating the 15% discount applicable to usage that exceeds 20 occasions in a 30-day period in Alberta due to the lack of such usage volume for an occasional-use service.

3.

TCI submitted that under the proposal, Alberta locations would see a decrease in the NewsRoute rate (after taking the existing $30 service charge into account), with the exception of Lethbridge and Red Deer, where the rate for the service would increase.

4.

TCI also submitted that the British Columbia locations that are over 100 miles from the Television Operations Centres would see a rate reduction for more than a 15-minute usage (where existing maximum charges for more than 15-minute usage all exceed $150, respectively). However locations that are less than 100 miles from the Television Operations Centres would see rate increases for over a 15-minute usage with the exception of Courtenay.

5.

TCI further proposed to classify the amalgamated item 515 service in the
"Other Capped" services category pursuant to decisions Regulated framework for second price cap period, Telecom Decision CRTC 2002-34, 30 May 2002, and
Follow-up to Regulatory framework for second price cap period, Telecom Decision CRTC 2002-34 - Service basket assignment, Telecom Decision CRTC 2003-11, 18 March 2003.

6.

The Commission received no comments with respect to the application.

7.

The Commission approves TCI's application. The revisions take effect as of the date of this order.

Secretary General

This document is available in alternative format upon request and may also be examined at the following Internet site: www.crtc.gc.ca