The CRTC denied an application by Bell Canada Tuesday to use its deferral account funds to deploy an HSPA+ broadband Internet service in 112 rural and remote communities in Ontario and Quebec.

The commission instead directed Bell to deploy a DSL service comparable to what it offers in urban areas.

As of May 31, 2010, incumbent phone companies Bell Canada, Bell Aliant, Telus Corp. and MTS Allstream had collected deferral account funds amounting to roughly $770 million, with interest, originating from a surcharge phone customers paid in urban areas during an inflated price cap period from 2002 to 2006.

Contact Ryan O'Neill at 613-232-5952 ext. 222 or roneill@thewirereport.ca
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