Telecom - Staff Letter addressed to the Distribution List
Ottawa, 1 October 2024
Reference: 8620-C12-201312082
BY E-MAIL
Distribution List
Subject: Request for information - Potential impacts of 3G network decommissioning
On April 12, 2023, Commission staff issued a request for information concerning interoperability issues between different generations of wireless networks and certain types of mobile devices. As part of that request, Commission staff asked wireless carriers to disclose their decommissioning plans regarding 3rd generation (3G) wireless networks.
Commission staff is seeking updates from certain wireless carriers on any 3G network decommissioning plans they might have, the potential impacts 3G network decommissioning might have on Canadians who rely on 3G devices, and the measures being taken to ensure a smooth transition for subscribers.
Bell Canada, TELUS Communications Inc., Rogers Communications Canada Inc., Quebecor Media Inc., Saskatchewan Telecommunications, Iristel Inc., and TBayTel are therefore requested to answer the following:
- Do you currently operate a 3G network? If so, do you or any of your affiliates or flanker brands offer plans with 3G-only speeds? Please provide a list of all such plans and indicate the number of customers currently subscribed to each plan.
- Are you in the process of or do you plan on decommissioning your 3G network in the next 3 years? If so, please answer the following:
- Provide a general overview of the decommissioning process including key activities and dates.
- When do you expect the full shut down of your 3G network?
- What will happen to customers who are subscribed to 3G-only plans or who have devices that are only 3G capable?
- What is your communication plan to inform 3G-dependent subscribers who may be impacted? How much advance notice will customers receive?
- What happens to subscribers who do not upgrade their 3G-only devices prior to decommissioning?
- Are there any areas in your 3G territory that are not overlapped by 4G/LTE or 5G networks? If so, would 3G decommissioning in these areas create coverage gaps?
- Describe the impact that the decommissioning of your 3G network might have on 3G-dependant devices and equipment, such as older security systems and medical-alert devices.
Parties are asked to submit responses to these requests for information (RFIs) no later than 1 November 2024.
As set out in section 39 of the Telecommunications Act and in Broadcasting and Telecom Information Bulletin CRTC 2010-961, Procedures for filing confidential information and requesting its disclosure in Commission proceedings, persons may designate certain information as confidential. A person designating information as confidential must provide a detailed explanation on why the designated information is confidential and why its disclosure would not be in the public interest, including why the specific direct harm that would be likely to result from the disclosure would outweigh the public interest in disclosure. Furthermore, a person designating information as confidential must either file an abridged version of the document omitting only the information designated as confidential or provide reasons why an abridged version cannot be filed.
All documents must be received, and not merely sent, by the dates indicated.
Sincerely,
Original signed by
Douglas Heath
Director General, Telecommunications Policy
Telecommunications sector
c.c.:
Jeremy Lendvay, CRTC, jeremy.lendvay@crtc.gc.ca
Jordan Wegner, CRTC, jordan.wegner@crtc.gc.ca
Vish Iyer, CRTC, vish.iyer@crtc.gc.ca
Attachment (1) Distribution list
Distribution List:
Bell Canada (Bell) bell.regulatory@bell.ca
TELUS Communications Inc. (Telus) regulatory.affairs@telus.com
Rogers Communications Canada Inc. (Rogers) Regulatory@rci.rogers.com
Quebecor Media Inc. (Quebecor) regaffairs@quebecor.com
Saskatchewan Telecommunications (SaskTel) document.control@sasktel.com
Iristel Inc. (Iristel) regulatory@iristel.com
TBayTel stephen.scofich@tbaytel.com
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