Aliant can’t offer value packages, commission rules
The CRTC has ordered Aliant Telecom Inc. to stop offering value packages that combine forborne and regulated services, saying the Atlantic Canadian incumbent telco must first seek tariff approval before it can offer the bundles (Telecom Decision 2004-21). EastLink brought the matter to the commission’s attention when it filed a Part VII on June 26, 2003. At the time, EastLink argued that Aliant Telecom shouldn’t be allowed to offer the bundle because it was actually a combination of two bundles that included tariffed and forborne services, thus requiring commission approval. Aliant Telecom countered that its packages were two separate bundles and therefore didn’t require CRTC approval, despite both bundles being offered under a single price. In its ruling, the commission directed Aliant Telecom to cease offering packages that include regulated and forborne services until such time as the CRTC can approve the offerings. "The commission further directs, in the event that Aliant Telecom wishes to offer any such bundles, the company to file, within 21 days of the date of this decision, proposed tariffs with an imputation test for any such bundles," reads the March 29 decision. Customers who are currently receiving services as part of the aforementioned bundles will continue to be able to for a period of 21 days from the date of the decision. As well, if Aliant Telecom files tariffs with respect to the bundles, customers will continue to receive the service until such time as the CRTC makes a decision on the tariff application. Network Letter will have more on this matter in an upcoming issue.

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