|
|
Telecom Order CRTC 2003-288
|
|
|
Ottawa, 16 July 2003
|
|
|
Saskatchewan Telecommunications
|
|
|
Reference: Tariff Notice 47
|
|
|
Local network interconnection and component unbundling
|
|
1.
|
The Commission received an application by Saskatchewan Telecommunications (SaskTel), dated 17 April 2003, to revise item 610.18, Local Network Interconnection and Component Unbundling, in order to clarify the reference to the labour rates for Loop Modification, Additional Charges and Diagnostic Maintenance.
|
|
2.
|
In 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 (Decision 2003-11), the Commission noted that the incumbent local exchange carriers' (ILECs') tariffs with respect to Loop Modification service were not sufficiently precise. The Commission accordingly directed the ILECs to file proposed amendments to their tariffs to either specify or incorporate a reference to the specific labour rates and conditions that would apply for Loop Modification service.
|
|
3.
|
The Commission received comments from Call-Net Enterprises Inc. (Call-Net) dated 29 April 2003. Reply comments were received from SaskTel on 9 May 2003.
|
|
4.
|
Call-Net submitted that additional wording must be added in order to clarify that a Diagnostic Maintenance charge would be applied only when it was proved that the portion of the facility for which the competitive local exchange carrier is responsible causes the fault. Call-Net argued that diagnostic maintenance that was performed at the central office and did not require a field visit would cost a fraction of the amount of a test where a field visit was involved. Call-Net submitted that the labour charge quoted should therefore only apply when the ILEC made a field visit.
|
|
5.
|
In reply, SaskTel argued that Call-Net was attempting to circumvent the workings of the CRTC Interconnection Steering Committee (CISC) Business Process Working Group (BPWG). SaskTel noted that in CRTC makes recommendations regarding the repair and maintenance of connecting links, Telecom Order CRTC 2001-838, 21 November 2001, the Commission had determined when and to whom diagnostic maintenance charges would apply.
|
|
6.
|
With respect to Call-Net's argument that a diagnostic maintenance test without a field visit would cost a fraction of the amount of a test where a field visit is involved, SaskTel stated that its labour charges are charged in increments of 15 minutes based on the actual time spent.
|
|
7.
|
The Commission notes that SaskTel's proposed tariff, as directed by the Commission in Decision 2003-11, adds a reference to specific labour rates for loop modification service. The rates, which are currently in place within the tariff, also apply to additional charges and diagnostic maintenance. The Commission notes that SaskTel's proposed tariff amendment does not change any of the provisions associated with loop modification, additional charges and diagnostic maintenance.
|
|
8.
|
The Commission notes that SaskTel's tariff provisions for the application of diagnostic and maintenance charges are consistent with the diagnostic maintenance tariff provisions approved by the Commission for the other ILECs. The Commission considers that issues raised by Call-Net relating to diagnostic maintenance would be more appropriately raised through the CISC - BPWG where they can be considered by industry.
|
|
9.
|
In light of the foregoing, the Commission approves SaskTel's application. The revisions are effective 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: http://www.crtc.gc.ca
|
Date Modified: 2003-07-16