The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports.

The CRTC has ruled that Bell Canada’s practice of sending former customers "Thank You" cards violates winback rules and has ordered the company to stop the practice.

Todd Rutherford, president and general manager of the network solutions group at Cyngal Technologies Corp. is leaving the company to pursue other interests. Jos Wintermans, president and CEO of Cyngal will assume Rutherford’s duties and oversee the network solutions sales team on an interim basis. Markham-based Cyngal is a full-service provider of wired and wireless communications networks.

Avensys Inc. to acquire ITF Optical
Quebec-based Avensys Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire most of the assets of ITF Optical Technologies Inc. The assets of ITF, a designer and manufacturer of photonic solutions based on proprietary all-fibre technology, will complement the Avensys product lineup and potentially provide access to a new customer base. As well, ITF’s R&D unit will be merged with Avensys Laboratories Inc. and be renamed ITF Laboratories. "Most of Avensys Technologies’ business is generated in Asia and Europe while ITF’s primary market is the US," said Martin d’Amours, president and CEO of Avensys, in a news release. "We expect these transactions to play a critical role as we move forward with our goals to accelerate Avensys Technology’s growth and position the company as an important agent of consolidation in this sector." Both transactions are expected to close this month subject to approval from ITF’s current shareholders.

If communications service providers want to survive the changes occurring in their industry, they have to alter their mindsets, according to some carrier representatives.

Quality, price, features and markets were the points of emphasis in a discussion on the deployment of Voice over IP (VoIP) at VON Canada in Toronto last week.

The CRTC’s landmark decision setting the framework for local service forbearance has been hailed by some and criticized by others. Incumbent telephone companies complained the commission missed the boat, while cablecos and competitive providers applauded the CRTC for allowing competition to develop.