NL Update

Aliant to keep xwave subsidiaryAliant Inc. has reversed its earlier decision and will now retain its xwave division. The company announced last January that it wanted to sell the company but now says it has been unable to find a buyer who meets all the requirements. Some suppliers were worried about the effect of an xwave sale on them (NL, Feb. 10/03). Cybersurf demands access to Shaw systemsCalgary ISP Cybersurf Corp. has filed a Part VII application with the CRTC, demanding third-party access to Shaw Cablesystems’ Internet service. The company maintains Shaw said at the end of March that it would not be able to fulfill the obligations of a Third Party Access agreement signed late last year. Cybersurf is requesting expedited relief.TWU membership approves new strike vote mechanismMembers of the Telecommunications Workers Union have approved a change to the union’s constitution on strike votes. In the future a strike will be permitted if 50% plus one of the membership votes in favour. Under the old rules, a two-thirds vote was necessary. Given the poor state of negotiations between the TWU and Telus Corp., the new rules may take on new significance.Canada signs on to cross-border fraud campaignCanada is one of 30 nations that have joined the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s cross-border fraud campaign. The OECD agreement wants to protect consumers from fraudulent and deceptive measures, especially over the Internet. Industry Canada is representing the country on the campaign.CRTC approves Northwestel SIP, reviews 2003 supplemental fundingThe CRTC has conducted its initial review of the annual funding of Northwestel Inc. In Telecom Decision 2003-39, it approved the northern ILEC’s service improvement plan of $71.1 million and accepted the telco’s proposed capital plan for 2002-2005 of $159 million. In Telecom Public Notice 2003-7, the regulator seeks comments on Northwestel’s supplemental funding for 2003.Aliant Part VII on late payment deniedThe CRTC has denied an application by Aliant Telecom Inc. requesting that late payment charges not be considered a telecom service. The telco also offered the alternative of having the commission forbear on regulating the charges if they were found to be a telecom service. The regulator dismissed the application late last week in Telecom Decision 2003-41.CRTC forbears on SaskTel inside wiringIn Telecom Decision 2003-38, the commission decided to forbear regulating single-line inside wiring services from SaskTel. Customers without a jack-ended demarcation device will not have to pay for various services to inside wiring. SaskTel must file new tariffs with the CRTC to reflect the new conditions.Nortel unveils new VPN productsNortel Networks Corp. has introduced a new framework for virtual private network services. It supports the delivery of new services over packet technology. The telecom equipment manufacturer has also unveiled four VPN products to complement the framework.New rates for Prince Rupert Tel approvedIn Telecom Order 2003-248, the CRTC has approved new service charges and rates for Prince Rupert City Telephones. The hourly work charge for residential service will jump from $60.50 to $66, the same as business customers. A service charge of $33 per half hour for both business and residential clients has been instituted.INTERNATIONAL NEWSAT&T signs agreements with two unionsAT&T Corp. has reached agreements with two unions representing about 22,000 workers at the American telco. The two-year deal provides for wage and pension increases for members of the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The new contract, which has yet to be ratified, runs until December 2005.Oftel releases report on consumer complaintsThe British telecom regulator Oftel has issued its consumer complaints report for wireline, wireless and Internet service in the U.K. The agency received 50,000 complaints between October 2002 and March 2003. The number of complaints about Internet and wireless service providers decreased since the previous survey, released in December.Nextel replaces Reynolds as NASCAR sponsorIt’ll be fibre over nicotine as NASCAR is about to change sponsors. Reston VA telco Nextel Communications Inc. is now the main sponsor of the car race’s elite division. It replaces the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., which is bowing out after 33 years.

NL Update

News | 06/23/2003 4:00 am EDT

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

Reuse & Permissions

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us