NL Update

Bell to continue providing information to legal authoritiesThe CRTC has voted not to revoke Item 2175 in Bell Canada’s general tariff, a clause that permits the telco to disclose customer information to law enforcement agencies upon the issuing of a warrant - Telecom Decision 2002-52. All comments at the hearing opposed the revocation. In a similar vein, the federal government has released a discussion paper on granting police access to online files.Nortel makes further cuts to workforceNortel Networks Corp. announced last week that its Q3 numbers are expected to be lower than its previous guidance. As a result, the equipment manufacturer is cutting another 7,000 jobs. The company is also looking at other ways to control spending. More details. 360networks restructuring blocked by TelusThe reorganization plan presented by 360networks Inc. was stalled when Telus Corp. filed a $25-million claim. Other creditors had overwhelmingly approved the deal. In other 360networks news, the American House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee is investigating a capacity swap involving 360networks and Global Crossing. SaskTel completes move to federal regulation, to file QoS studiesThe CRTC has finished the transition of SaskTel from a provincially regulated telco to federal jurisdiction - Telecom Decision 2002-53. The Crown corporation will now be required to file quality of service reports just like other major ILECs. The filings begin at the end of the year (NL, May 23/00). PIAC accuses ILECs of hiding basic toll ratesThe Public Interest Advocacy Centre has filed a Part VII application with the CRTC, claiming many ILECs are not providing basic toll service (BTS) rates to the public. The consumers’ action group alleges some customers may be better off using BTS than special LD discount packages. PIAC has already filed a complaint about Bell’s party line rental scheme (NL, Aug. 27/02). More details. Nortel deploys IP technology for SafewayNortel Networks Corp. is selling an advance IP platform to Safeway. The grocery chain is streamlining its telecom networks throughout its 1,800 stores. The IP product integrates IP and QoS data routing into one system. More details. Mitel Networks develops A/V product with American firmOttawa’s Mitel Networks is adding components of RemoteAbility Inc.’s equipment into its own Voice First product. The combined device will permit people using audio/visual conferencing tools to use other computer functions while the teleconference is going on. RemoteAbility is located in Englewood Cliffs NJ. More details. Telus Alberta tolls come into alignment with rest of CanadaThe CRTC has ordered Telus Communications Inc. to amend its tariff schedule - Telecom Decision 2002-50. Under the revised scheme, the rates for toll calls originating in Alberta will be similar to the rate structure in other parts of the country. The commission hopes this will alleviate problems CLECs had with maintaining two billing systems. Globalstar cuts satellite rates to 32 cents/minuteSatellite phone service provider Globalstar Canada has cut the price of satellite calls and of handsets. A new price plan can see users pay 32 cents per minute for calls, while the list price for handsets has fallen to under $1,000. Rates apply to Canada, the continental U.S. and American territory in the Western hemisphere. For more details, read the next issue of Network Letter affiliate publication Report on Wireless. More details. Botswana creates telecom regulatorBotswana has become one of the first African nations to establish an independent telecommunications regulator. The Botswana Telecommunications Authority is being heralded as a model for other developing nations to follow. Botswana has a connectivity rate of about 10% for wireline and 16% for wireless. More details.

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News | September 3, 2002

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Ericsson seeks to overturn certification of Steelworkers union to represent workers

CRTC rules against Iristel in Northwestel dispute

Manitoba premier calls for shortening of emergency service outage notification window

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