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Telecom Order CRTC 2018-89

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Ottawa, 14 March 2018

File numbers: 8665-T8-201707259 and 4754-585

Determination of costs award with respect to the participation of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre in the proceeding initiated by TBayTel’s application for an extension of the implementation date for certain new requirements in the Wireless Code

Application

  1. By letter dated 31 October 2017, the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) applied for costs with respect to its participation in the proceeding initiated by TBayTel’s application for an extension of the implementation date for certain new requirements in the Wireless Code (the proceeding). The proceeding led to the issuance of a letter, dated 13 February 2018, in which the Commission approved TBayTel’s application and, among other things, directed TBayTel to implement certain measures to ensure that its customers are informed of the postponement of the implementation date for the new requirements.
  2. The Commission did not receive any interventions in response to the application for costs.
  3. PIAC submitted that it had met the criteria for an award of costs set out in section 68 of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Rules of Practice and Procedure (the Rules of Procedure) because it represented a group or class of subscribers that had an interest in the outcome of the proceeding, it had assisted the Commission in developing a better understanding of the matters that were considered, and it had participated in a responsible way.
  4. In particular, PIAC submitted that it represents the interests of all consumers across Canada with respect to the provision of important public services, as well as a number of individual and organizational members.Footnote 1 PIAC submitted that it intervened in the proceeding on behalf of mobile wireless service consumers who subscribe to TBayTel’s services. With respect to the specific methods by which PIAC submitted that it represents this group or class, PIAC explained that it has conducted extensive research related to consumer interests, including preparing reports on affordability and research on choice in telecommunications services. PIAC also submitted that it relied on its expertise to understand consumer interests and how it could advance those interests. Lastly, PIAC submitted that it assisted the Commission in developing a better understanding of the matters considered in the proceeding by focusing on issues that directly affect the interests of consumers, notably overage charges on multi‑user plans.
  5. PIAC requested that the Commission fix its costs at $621.50, consisting entirely of internal legal fees. PIAC filed a bill of costs with its application.
  6. PIAC submitted that TBayTel is the appropriate party to be required to pay any costs awarded by the Commission (the costs respondent).

Commission’s analysis and determinations

  1. The criteria for an award of costs are set out in section 68 of the Rules of Procedure, which reads as follows:


    68.  The Commission must determine whether to award final costs and the maximum percentage of costs that is to be awarded on the basis of the following criteria:

    1. whether the applicant had, or was the representative of a group or a class of subscribers that had, an interest in the outcome of the proceeding;
    2. the extent to which the applicant assisted the Commission in developing a better understanding of the matters that were considered; and
    3. whether the applicant participated in the proceeding in a responsible way.
  2. In Telecom Information Bulletin 2016-188, the Commission provided guidance regarding how an applicant may demonstrate that it satisfies the first criterion with respect to its representation of interested subscribers. In the present case, PIAC has demonstrated that it meets this requirement. PIAC represented the interests of mobile wireless service consumers in Canada, specifically those who subscribe to TBayTel’s services. PIAC developed its positions through its research regarding affordability and choice in telecommunications services, as well as through its reliance on its experience and expertise in consumer and telecommunications matters.
  3. PIAC has also satisfied the remaining criteria through its participation in the proceeding. PIAC’s submissions, particularly regarding the potential impact of TBayTel’s delay in implementing certain new Wireless Code requirements on multi‑user plan subscribers, assisted the Commission in developing a better understanding of the matters that were considered.
  4. The rates claimed in respect of legal fees are in accordance with the rates established in the Guidelines for the Assessment of Costs, as set out in Telecom Regulatory Policy 2010-963. The Commission finds that the total amount claimed by PIAC was necessarily and reasonably incurred and should be allowed.
  5. This is an appropriate case in which to fix the costs and dispense with taxation, in accordance with the streamlined procedure set out in Telecom Public Notice 2002-5.
  6. The Commission finds that TBayTel, as the applicant requesting the extension, is the appropriate costs respondent to PIAC’s costs application.

Directions regarding costs

  1. The Commission approves the application by PIAC for costs with respect to its participation in the proceeding.
  2. Pursuant to subsection 56(1) of the Telecommunications Act, the Commission fixes the costs to be paid to PIAC at $621.50.
  3. The Commission directs that the award of costs to PIAC be paid forthwith by TBayTel.

Secretary General

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