ARCHIVED - Telecom Decision CRTC 2014-491

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Ottawa, 23 September 2014

File number: 8663-S4-201404772

Sogetel inc. – Implementation of wireless number portability for Sogetel Mobilité inc.

The Commission approves Sogetel inc.’s plan for the implementation of wireless number portability in the exchanges of Beauceville and Nicolet, Quebec.

Introduction

1. The Commission received a wireless number portability (WNP) implementation plan, dated 26 May 2014, from Sogetel inc. (Sogetel). The plan was filed in response to a formal signed expression of interest from Sogetel Mobilité inc. (Sogetel Mobilité), which confirmed its interest in obtaining WNP in the exchanges of Beauceville and Nicolet, Quebec, where Sogetel is the incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC).
2. The Commission did not receive any interventions. The public record of this proceeding, which closed on 21 July 2014, is available on the Commission’s website at www.crtc.gc.ca or by using the file number provided above.

Background

3. Number portability enables customers to keep the same telephone number when changing service providers and is an integral component of retail competition in the local exchange market.
4. In Telecom Decision 2008-122, the Commission, among other things, set out the framework for WNP implementation in the territories of the small ILECs. That decision included directives that the small ILECs must follow when submitting their implementation plans.
5. The Commission reviewed this framework and determined, in Telecom Regulatory Policy 2011-291, that WNP and local competition would continue to be introduced in the territories of the small ILECs based on the existing frameworks, subject to the modifications set out in that decision.^{Footnote 1}
6. In Telecom Regulatory Policy 2012-24, the Commission determined that implementation of WNP in a small ILEC’s territory is to be conditional on the wireless carrier directly interconnecting with the small ILEC, unless otherwise negotiated.

Should the Commission approve Sogetel’s WNP implementation plan?

7. In its implementation plan, Sogetel indicated that it would require 70 days following the Commission’s approval of this plan to implement WNP.
8. The Commission considers that Sogetel’s proposed WNP implementation plan, including the proposed timeline, is reasonable and meets the criteria set out in Telecom Decision 2008-122, as modified in Telecom Regulatory Policies 2011-291 and 2012-24. The Commission notes that Sogetel is not entitled to reimbursement for WNP start-up costs by Sogetel Mobilité because Sogetel serves more than 3,000 network access services (NAS).
9. The Commission notes that WNP implementation by Sogetel in the above-mentioned exchanges will increase the possibility for customers in those exchanges, within a reasonable time period following approval of the company’s implementation plan, to retain their telephone numbers if they decide to switch service providers. The Commission considers that this ability will lead to greater choice for these customers, since they will have the opportunity to benefit from choosing among the services, options, and prices offered by different service providers. Accordingly, the Commission considers that approval of the WNP implementation plan would be consistent with the Policy Direction^{Footnote 2} and would advance the policy objectives set out in paragraphs 7(b), (f), and (h) of the Telecommunications Act. The cited policy objectives are

7(b)   to render reliable and affordable telecommunications services of high quality accessible to Canadians in both urban and rural areas in all regions of Canada;

7(f)    to foster increased reliance on market forces for the provision of telecommunications services and to ensure that regulation, where required, is efficient and effective; and

7(h)   to respond to the economic and social requirements of users of telecommunications services.

10. In light of the above, the Commission approves Sogetel’s proposed WNP implementation plan. Sogetel is to implement WNP in the exchanges of Beauceville and Nicolet within 70 days of the date of this decision.

Secretary General

Related documents

• Network interconnection for voice services, Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2012-24, 19 January 2012
• Obligation to serve and other matters, Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2011-291, 3 May 2011, as amended by Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2011-291-1, 12 May 2011
• Regulatory framework for the implementation of wireless number portability within the serving territories of the small incumbent local exchange carriers, Telecom Decision CRTC 2008-122, 18 December 2008

Date modified:

2014-09-23