ARCHIVED - Telecom Order CRTC 2009-37

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  Ottawa, 29 January 2009
 

Videotron Ltd. – Request to change cable modem minimum requirements for third-party Internet access service customers

  File number: 8643-V3-200813122
  In this order, the Commission approves an application by Videotron to change the cable modem minimum requirements for its third-party Internet access service customers.
 

Introduction

1.

The Commission received an application by Quebecor Media Inc. on behalf of Videotron Ltd. (Videotron), dated 30 September 2008, in which it requested that the Commission approve a change to its cable modem minimum requirement for third-party Internet access (TPIA) service from Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) 1.1 to DOCSIS 2.0.

2.

Videotron submitted that DOCSIS 2.0 cable modems would offer specific advantages, including improved overall network efficiency, improved quality, and higher upstream bandwidth for all retail customers, including those served by its TPIA customers. It also submitted that this technological change would not unduly disadvantage TPIA customers because the DOCSIS 1.1 minimum requirement has been superseded by DOCSIS 2.0 cable modems, which are widely available at competitive prices. In particular, Videotron noted that in mid 2006 it upgraded its network to permit use of DOCSIS 2.0 modems. It also noted that the cost of replacing existing DOCSIS 1.1 modems with DOCSIS 2.0 modems applies to both itself and its TPIA customers.

3.

Videotron requested that the new requirements become effective as of 31 March 2009, which would provide TPIA customers with six months from the date of the application to replace any DOCSIS 1.1 modems with DOCSIS 2.0 modems. On the date of its application, Videotron sent a notice to its TPIA customers informing them of the proposed change and effective date. The company attached a copy of this notice as an appendix to its application.

4.

The Commission did not receive any comments on the application. The public record of this proceeding is available on the Commission's website at www.crtc.gc.ca under "Public Proceedings."
 

Commission's analysis and determinations

5.

In Telecom Decision 2004-37, the Commission determined that the minimum requirement for cable modems for a cable company's TPIA service would be DOCSIS 1.1. In that decision the Commission noted that any change to the minimum requirement would be subject to Commission approval.

6.

The Commission considers that Videotron's request to change the cable modem minimum requirements for its TPIA customers would encourage the evolution of new technologies and introduce network efficiencies that would benefit consumers. The Commission also considers that the proposed change would not unduly disadvantage Videotron's TPIA customers because Videotron would face the same costs to replace existing modems for its own end-customers.

7.

The Commission further considers that an effective date of 31 March 2009 would provide sufficient time for TPIA customers to comply with the new cable modem minimum requirement.

8.

Accordingly, the Commission approves Videotron's request to change the cable modem minimum requirement to DOCSIS 2.0 for its TPIA customers effective 31 March 2009.
  Secretary General
 

Related document

 
  • Cable modems for third-party Internet access, Telecom Decision CRTC 2004-37, 4 June 2004
  This document is available in alternative format upon request, and may also be examined in PDF format or in HTML at the following Internet site: http://www.crtc.gc.ca

 

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