Telecom Order CRTC 2023-20

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Ottawa, 30 January 2023

Public record: 1011-NOC2019-0372

Broadband Fund – Acceptance of statement of work for Bell Canada’s access project in Manitoba

Background

1. In Telecom Decision 2022-212, the Commission approved an application from Bell Canada for up to $862,638 from the Broadband Fund for a project to provide improved broadband Internet access services to eligible areas in two communities in Manitoba.
2. The Commission received written acceptance of this funding award from Bell Canada. The Commission also received a completed statement of work package for the project from Bell Canada (the project).

Commission’s analysis

3. The statement of work package includes detailed information related to implementing the project as described in the application and approved for funding by the Commission. Once complete, the project will provide improved broadband Internet access services, with speeds of up to 1,500 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 940 Mbps upload and an unlimited data allowance, to eligible areas in the communities of Cranberry Portage and Snow Lake, Manitoba, encompassing approximately 595 households.
4. Having reviewed the documents submitted, the Commission approves the finalized statement of work and will provide it separately and in confidence to Bell Canada.
5. Provided that Bell Canada complies with all conditions of funding set out in Telecom Decision 2022-204, constructs the project 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 project. Failure to comply with these conditions and requirements could result in funding being delayed or not being disbursed.
6. The Commission reminds Bell Canada of the condition of funding set out in subparagraph 36(g) of Telecom Decision 2022-204. 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, the release of any additional funding will be contingent on Bell Canada demonstrating that any necessary consultations were held to the Crown’s satisfaction.
7. Bell Canada is required to submit, quarterly, a progress report and expense claim beginning no later than 1 May 2023, or as otherwise agreed to with the Commission, and every three months thereafter until the project is completed.
8. Further, in accordance with the Commission’s determinations in Telecom Decision 2022-204, 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 application and approved in Schedule B: Project Services.

Policy Directions

9. The 2006 Policy Direction^{Footnote 1} and the 2019 Policy Direction^{Footnote 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.
10. The Commission considers that its approval of funding from the Broadband Fund for the project described in this order is consistent with the Policy Directions. Specifically, the decision to allocate funding towards improving broadband services in Manitoba 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

Related documents

• Broadband Fund – Project funding approval for Bell Canada’s and Bell Mobility Inc.’s access and mobile projects in Manitoba and Quebec, Telecom Decision CRTC 2022-211 encompassing Telecom Decisions CRTC 2022-212, 2022-213, 2022-214, and 2022-215, 4 August 2022
• Broadband Fund – Second call for applications – Introductory decision regarding the August 2022 round of project funding approvals, Telecom Decision CRTC 2022-204, 4 August 2022

Date modified:

2023-01-30