Telecom Order CRTC 2023-292

Ottawa, 28 August 2023

Broadband Fund – Acceptance of statement of work for TELUS Communications Inc.’s access and mobile project in British Columbia (Central Interior)

In Telecom Decision 2021-254, the Commission awarded up to $7,351,628 to TELUS Communications Inc. (TCI) to implement a combination access and mobile project to provide a significant improvement in the broadband Internet access services available and/or introduce fixed wireless access and mobile wireless services to eligible areas in 19 communities in British Columbia. The project proposed in TCI’s application was filed in response to the second call for applications for funding from the Broadband Fund. The Commission later received written acceptance of this funding award from TCI.
The Commission also received a completed statement of work package for the project from TCI (the project).

TCI’s statement of work package included a request to remove the communities of Canim Lake 1 and Canim Lake 2 from the scope of the project because they were already meeting the universal service objective-level speeds. In its package, TCI also included a request to add an eligible area of the Alexis Creek community.

During the development of its statement of work, TCI submitted a request for a $1,419,308 increase in funding for the project. TCI submitted that this request was a result of (i) changes in equipment that would improve the sustainability, resiliency, and cyber security of the project; and (ii) an increase in the costs of third-party labour and other direct costs that had not been anticipated when the company submitted its application. This request accounts for the changes in the project’s scope mentioned above.
The Commission is satisfied that this request is well supported in the particular circumstances of this project. Accordingly, the Commission approves funding for up to $8,770,936 for the project.

Having reviewed the documents submitted, the Commission approves the finalized statement of work and will provide it separately and in confidence to TCI.
Provided that TCI complies with all conditions of funding set out in Telecom Decision 2021-251, 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 TCI in respect of the project. Failure to comply with these conditions and requirements could result in funding being delayed or not being disbursed.
The Commission reminds TCI of the condition of funding set out in subparagraph 35(f) of Telecom Decision 2021-251. This condition is that if TCI becomes aware of a risk of adverse impact on an Aboriginal or treaty right and a duty to consult exists, TCI 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 TCI demonstrating that any necessary consultations were held to the Crown’s satisfaction.
TCI is required to submit, quarterly, a progress report and expense claim no later than 27 November 2023, or as otherwise agreed to with the Commission, and every three months thereafter until the project is completed.

Secretary General