Wireless industry welcomes Charles Dalfen to top job at telecom regulatory agency

Sources in the wireless industry say the appointment of communications veteran Charles Dalfen to head the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) may spark a new level of cooperation between the telecom regulator, Industry Canada, and other government departments. This, they say, may even lead to a better recognition of the distinctive dual-regulatory environment that wireless carriers must live with. The sector seems ready to roll out the red carpet for the newly appointed top regulator on Jan. 1, and optimism is at such a high level that some are even predicting that the wireless industry may finally get its due at the CRTC. Dalfen is no stranger to the wireless world – something the industry had sought in the new appointment. He has managed regulatory and licensing matters for clients involved in satellite, PCS, paging, and other wireless businesses throughout the world. Dalfen was most recently a senior partner with the Torys law firm in Toronto, where he was chair of the firm’s Communications Law Group. He also once represented wireless clients at Johnston & Buchan. His appointment may signal a change in direction for the CRTC in supporting the wireless sector, which would address longstanding industry gripes. It has long felt neglected by the telecom regulator, saying that it believes the CRTC doesn’t understand how the carriers are affected by its rulings. The commission was to have beefed up its expertise in the wireless field, but observers note several recent decisions as examples of how the CRTC is working counter to industry needs. Industry players cite problems with the new contribution regime that tagged the wireless industry for a 1,200 per cent increase in its payments to the national local telephone subsidy without taking into account the licence fees paid to Industry Canada. They also point out inconsistent rulings that have made broadcasters pay into the contribution pool to support telecom initiatives (RoW, Oct. 15/01). But what may have been the largest telltale sign that the commission was less than concerned about the wireless industry was its lack of presence at the Wireless Vision Congress in St. John’s NF in September (RoW, Oct. 2/01). While most key players from across the country made the trip, the CRTC only saw fit to send one regional staffer. The naming of Dalfen to the top job at the commission may change the current situation, and his background bodes well for that to happen. He had previously served at the commission as vice-chair from 1976 to 1980. Since then, he has gone on to practise law and represent numerous companies before the CRTC on a variety of issues. His background and familiarity of the issues and disputes before the commission, makes him the ideal person for the job, say industry players. But it’s his more than 20 years outside the commission that are being touted as one of his greatest assets. "I think it gives him a good perspective because I think he may understand the perspective of operating companies better because those were his clients when he was practising law," says an industry source. Don Woodford, VP regulatory and government affairs at Bell Mobility, also welcomes the appointment. "It’s nice to see somebody coming in who has that kind of history and experience in the industry," he tells Report on Wireless. "We see coming in a well-rounded individual – with both broadcasting and telecom experience – and with some impeccable credentials to go into that job." Most believe that Dalfen will be a stabilizing force within the commission. As another industry source says, he recognizes the wireless industry has changed dramatically over the last number of years and his appointment is going to "be a tremendous benefit to the commission because I think there’s a lot of uncertainty there right now."

Wireless industry welcomes Charles Dalfen to top job at telecom regulatory agency

News | 12/11/2001 5:00 am EST

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