Telecom Order CRTC 2011-232
Ottawa, 6 April 2011
Ontario Telecommunications Association – Toll Interconnection Services
File number: Tariff Notice 97
Introduction
1. The Commission received an application by the Ontario Telecommunications Association (OTA), dated 4 March 2011, proposing revisions to Ontario Independent Services Tariff item 235 – Toll Interconnection Services.
2. In its application, the OTA submitted that changes to the tables showing the categories for annual conversation minutes and toll trunks are needed to reflect changes in the annual volume of toll traffic and/or the number of toll trunks for some of its member companies. The OTA also proposed to include Bruce Telecom in the Ontario Independent Services Tariff for Toll Interconnection Services.
3. In addition, the OTA requested ratification of the rates it had been charging since 1 January 2011 because its member companies had been charging the rates associated with the proposed tariff changes since that date. The OTA submitted that the administrative effort involved in confirming data between its member companies and Bell Canada prevented it from filing the revisions on a more timely basis.
4. The Commission received no comments regarding this application. The public record of this proceeding is available on the Commission’s website at www.crtc.gc.ca under “Public Proceedings” or by using the file number provided above.
5. In Ontario Telecommunications Association – Toll Interconnection Services, Telecom Order CRTC 2011-195, 18 March 2011 (Telecom Order 2011-195), the Commission approved on an interim basis the OTA’s proposal to revise its Ontario Independent Services Tariff, effective 18 March 2011. The Commission indicated that it would address the company’s ratification request and any related issues in a subsequent order.
Commission’s analysis and determinations
6. As noted in Telecom Order 2011-195, the Commission has, in previous decisions, established a rate structure for direct connection (DC) and trunking rates, and determined that the applicable rates were to be based on actual annual toll conversation minutes and actual toll interconnection trunks. The Commission finds that the OTA’s proposed modifications are consistent with these determinations and that the proposed rates are just and reasonable.
7. The Commission notes that, pursuant to subsection 25(4) of the Telecommunications Act, it may ratify the charging of a rate by a Canadian carrier otherwise than in accordance with a tariff approved by the Commission if it is satisfied that the rate was charged because of an error or other circumstance that warrants the ratification.
8. The Commission finds that, under the circumstances, it is appropriate to ratify the charging of DC and trunking rates by the OTA member companies during the time the services were provided at rates otherwise than in accordance with a tariff approved by the Commission.
9. Accordingly, the Commission approves on a final basis the OTA's application and ratifies the rates charged by its member companies for DC and toll trunks for the period from 1 January to 17 March 2011.
Secretary General
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