NL Updates

New contribution charge set at 1.3 per centThe CRTC has set a final contribution collection charge of 1.3 per cent for 2002 – Telecom Decision 2002-71. The rate is retroactive to last January. It has also approved an interim rate of 1.3 per cent for next year. Companies ready to get involved with foreign ownership reviewInterested parties on all sides of the debate are looking forward to participating in the federal government’s review of foreign investment restrictions in the telecom sector. After weeks of speculation (NL, Nov. 4/02), Industry minister Allan Rock officially announced last week that the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology will study the issue. To support the review, the minister released a discussion paper outlining the key issues and identifying questions to be considered. Industry insiders tell Network Letter they do not expect formal hearings to begin until January. The committee has been ordered to report back to the minister by February. More details: http://www.bce.ca/en/news/releases/bce/2002/11/19/69538.html http://www.ccta.ca/english/news-information/news-releases/2002/19-11.htm MTS to chop 250 positionsManitoba Telecom Services Inc. is offering incentives to its employees to reduce the size of its work force. MTS Communications will cut 244 jobs, while six positions will be eliminated at MTS Media. Both union and non-union workers will be affected. Internet companies want IMCAIP to release more details on accessCanada’s major ILECs and the Canadian Cable Television Association (CCTA) want the Independent Members of the Canadian Association of Internet Providers (IMCAIP) to provide more information in its filings to the CRTC. IMCAIP recently submitted a Part VII application with the commission requesting third-party access to Internet lite products (NL, Nov. 19/02). Bell Canada, Telus, SaskTel, MTS, Aliant and the CCTA want sections that had been filed in confidence open to public scrutiny. Minority partner files complaint against Cybersurf CEOMercury Partners & Company Inc. has filed complaints with the securities commissions in B.C., Alberta and Ontario accusing Cybersurf CEO Paul Mercia of insider trading. Mercury, a minority partner in the Calgary ISP, claims Mercia has not filed insider trading reports for four years. It also alleges he has been using corporate money to buy votes in a stockholder battle. Rogers backs AT&T Canada in cabinet appealRogers Communications Inc. has filed a submission supporting AT&T Canada Inc.’s appeal of the CRTC’s price cap decision. The primary focus of the Rogers argument is that true competition does not exist in telephony. "Many Canadian telephone customers that have no choice for wireline telephone service have lots of choice for wireless, video and high-speed Internet service," president/CEO Ted Rogers writes. Aliant to offer PC backup to businessAliant Telecom Inc. is testing a PC backup system for small- and medium-sized business clients. The new network-based backup regime will replace CD burners or ZIP drives. About 100 companies are taking part in the trial. Bell West denied E911 in Medicine HatThe CRTC has denied an application by Bell West Inc. to provide E911 service in the City of Medicine Hat – Telecom Order 2002-433. The city government had requested that the agreement delete the requirements to provide and maintain emergency medical services in the region. The commission rejected that view, stating all requirements of the standard CLEC 911 agreement are necessary. CANARIE gives $100,000 to e-business research projectCANARIE Inc. is providing $100,000 in funds for a research project on e-business models. The Centre francophone de recherche en informatisation des organisations (CEFRIO), a research centre for over 140 university, industry and government members, will conduct the study, called New E-business Models for SMEs. CEFRIO’s partners are Telus Québec, the National Bank of Canada, Industry Canada and Canadian Heritage, as well as CANARIE. BCNet signs deal with Prince George, UNBCBCNET has signed a memorandum of understanding with the City of Prince George and the University of Northern British Columbia. All three signatories will work to manage and oversee advanced networks in the north of the province. The backbone will link local sites with other provincial and national networks. INTERNATIONAL NEWSInternet performed well on 9-11A new study by the National Academy of Sciences in the United States reports the Internet was not greatly affected by the terrorist attacks of September 11 last year. Most of the damage was concentrated in the New York City area. The report does suggest there are operational issues ISPs and their customers should deal with. Broadband policy change urged in United StatesA group of major players in the American high-tech field is asking the Federal Communications Commission to change its broadband policy. The Coalition of Broadband Users and Innovators (CBUI) says the open nature of the Internet will not exist if current rules are permitted to stand. Among the CBUI’s members are Microsoft, Walt Disney Co. and Radio Shack.

NL Updates

News | 11/25/2002 5:00 am EST

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