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Telecom Order CRTC 2022-93

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Reference: 2022-93-1

Ottawa, 31 March 2022

Public record: 1011-NOC2019-0372

Broadband Fund – Acceptance of statements of work for Bell Canada’s access projects in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Ontario

Background

  1. In Telecom Decision 2021-256, the Commission awarded up to $1,512,267 to Bell Canada to build and/or upgrade local fixed access infrastructure for the projects proposed in its applications filed in response to the second call for applications for funding from the Broadband Fund. On 16 August 2021, the Commission received written acceptance of this funding award from Bell Canada.
  2. By 30 November 2021, the Commission received all of Bell Canada’s proposed statements of work, including the information packages regarding its access projects in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Ontario (the projects).

Commission’s analysis and determinations

  1. Having reviewed the documents submitted, the Commission approves the finalized statements of work and will provide them separately and in confidence to Bell Canada.
  2. Provided that Bell Canada complies with all conditions of funding set out in Telecom Decision 2021-251, constructs the projects as described in Schedule A: Statement of Work, and complies with all procedural requirements to submit reports, invoices, and requests for funding, the Commission will direct the Central Fund Administrator to make payments to Bell Canada in respect of the projects. Failure to comply with these conditions and requirements could result in funding being delayed or not being disbursed.
  3. The Commission reminds Bell Canada of the condition of funding set out in subparagraph 35(f) of Telecom Decision 2021-251. This condition is that if Bell Canada becomes aware of a risk of adverse impact on an Aboriginal or treaty right and a duty to consult exists, Bell Canada must advise the Commission within 20 days and submit a plan detailing the form and process for fulfilment of the duty. Should such circumstances arise, release of any additional funding will be contingent on Bell Canada demonstrating that any necessary consultations were held to the Crown’s satisfaction.
  4. Bell Canada is required to submit, quarterly, progress reports and expense claims for all the projects beginning no later than 29 June 2022 or as otherwise agreed to with the Commission, and every three months thereafter until the projects are completed.
  5. Further, in accordance with the Commission’s determinations in Telecom Decision 2021-251, Bell Canada must offer and provide broadband services using facilities funded through the Broadband Fund once the infrastructure is built, as committed to in its applications and approved in Schedule B: Project Services of each application.

Policy Directions

  1. The 2006 Policy DirectionFootnote 1 and the 2019 Policy DirectionFootnote 2 (collectively, the Policy Directions) state that the Commission, in exercising its powers and performing its duties under the Telecommunications Act (the Act), shall implement the telecommunications policy objectives set out in section 7 of the Act, in accordance with the considerations set out therein,Footnote 3 and should specify how its decisions can, as applicable, promote competition, affordability, consumer interests, and innovation.
  2. The Commission considers that its approval of funding from the Broadband Fund for the projects described in this order is consistent with the Policy Directions. Specifically, the decision to allocate funding towards improving broadband services in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Ontario will help to close the gap in connectivity in underserved areas and will respond to the social and economic needs of consumers. In doing so, this order will implement the telecommunications policy objectives, including those set out in paragraphs 7(a), (b), and (h) of the Act.Footnote 4

Secretary General

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