ROW Update

telecom | 03/01/2004 5:00 am EST

 Craig McCaw invests in Microcell as part of equity offeringMicrocell Telecommunications Inc. has announced that American telecom pioneer and industry veteran Craig McCaw might chip in an additional $50 million as part of the company’s preliminary prospectus for an equity offering of up to $100 million. Under terms of the prospectus, McCaw’s private holding company COM Canada LLC has agreed to purchase a portion...

VIA Rail planning RFP for mobile Wi-Fi deployment, for-pay trials expected in Q2

telecom | 02/25/2004 5:00 am EST

 VIA Rail plans a pay-per-use mobile Wi-Fi trial by the end of this month, the first step in offering commercial service to business travelers on its VIA 1 class rail cars. But before VIA can launch a commercial offer, it will have to issue a request for proposal (RFP), something it plans to do before the end of the...

CHUM files application with CRTC for subscription radio service

telecom | 02/25/2004 5:00 am EST

 CHUM Ltd. has joined two other parties in filing an application to offer a subscription radio service. The company filed a surprise application with the CRTC on the February 16 deadline. Peter Miller, VP of planning and regulatory affairs of radio and television at CHUM, confirmed the application last week. The...

Microcell’s loyalty program focused on retention and subscriber additions

telecom | 02/25/2004 5:00 am EST

 Microcell Solutions Inc. is revving up its marketing and promotional activities, launching a new two-pronged loyalty program aimed at attracting new subscribers and retaining its existing base. Since exiting financial restructuring last year, Microcell has had trouble combating increasing customer turnover, which...

Two-front battle as Craig Wireless hunts Look Communications

telecom | 02/25/2004 5:00 am EST

 Craig Wireless International Inc. continues to fight for control of Look Communications Inc. on two fronts, and last week the company suffered both a legal win and a setback.  On February 19, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice denied a Craig Wireless petition seeking to expedite a hearing to stop the closing of a previously announced Look rights offering. On the second front, the Federal Court of Appeal granted on February 20 Craig Wireless’ leave to appeal an October 2003 CRTC ruling that led to Unique Broadband Systems Inc. being able to acquire a controlling interest in Look.  Craig Wireless appealed the CRTC ruling over concerns that the commission made procedural errors. Boyd Craig told RoW last year that he was concerned with the CRTC’s decision to...

Ringtone agreement with CHUM signals carriers opening gates to walled garden

telecom | 02/25/2004 5:00 am EST

 The January 27 ringtone store agreement between Bell Mobility, Telus Mobility and Rogers Wireless Inc. and CHUM Television Interactive signals a shift in thinking for the wireless carriers, which have until recently wanted to drive all content users to their own respective portals (see article in this issue for...

Wireless a key component in rollout of powerline technology in Sault Ste. Marie

telecom | 02/25/2004 5:00 am EST

 PUC Telecom and equipment maker Amperion Inc. are using Sault Ste. Marie as a testbed for the deployment of emerging powerline communications technology, the rollout of which will rely on wireless technology for the last mile. The Northern Ontario city is the first in Canada to try the new powerline Internet...

ROW Short Takes

telecom | 02/25/2004 5:00 am EST

Canada’s national wireless operators experienced healthy subscriber additions in the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2003. While the chart above clearly demonstrates that Bell Mobility captured the lion’s share of net additions, Telus Mobility and Rogers Wireless Inc. posted substantial gains. Microcell Telecommunications Inc. also experienced a significant jump in subscribers throughout the year, but...

ROW People

telecom | 02/25/2004 5:00 am EST

Ron Crawford, a consultant with RCC Consulting, has registered as a lobbyist for ITS Electronics, a maker of millimeter wave radios and power amplifiers. Crawford will work to secure funding from Technology Partnerships Canada for the firm.  The Wireless Innovation Network Society of BC (WINBC) has made changes to its executive and board of directors. The association has elected Caroline Lewko as its president. Todd...

ROW International News Briefs

telecom | 02/25/2004 5:00 am EST

DoCoMo to sell stake in AT&TJapanese wireless operator NTT DoCoMo is selling its 16% stake in AT&T Wireless to Cingular, following the latter’s acquisition of AT&T Wireless. DoCoMo entered the American wireless industry three years ago when it purchased the 16% interest for US$10 billion. Analysts speculate that DoCoMo will be able to sell...

ROW Editorial

telecom | 02/25/2004 5:00 am EST

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. Craig Wireless International’s fight for control of Look Communications Inc. demonstrates at least one thing: the company has resolve. But it also shows the wireless cable TV and Internet service provider may be prone to poor judgment.   Let’s face it: wireless cable TV in general has...

Microcell approached to participate in ringtone store, couldn’t finalize tech specs

telecom | 02/25/2004 5:00 am EST

 A lack of personnel and the slow filtering of information to the executive ranks appear to be the main reasons why Microcell Solutions Inc. wasn’t part of last month’s official launch of CHUM Television Interactive’s wireless web ringtone and graphics store. The head of Microcell...

NL Update

telecom | 02/23/2004 5:00 am EST

Telus seeks to overturn CIRB arbitration rulingTelus Corp. has filed an application with the Canada Industrial Relations Board asking it to reconsider its rulings that led to the western telco and the Telecommunications Workers Union submitting to binding arbitration on their contract negotiations. The company is also appealing to the Federal Court of Canada on the issues. Despite the legal moves, Telus and the TWU are...

Rogers hoping for regulatory relief as it looks at residential rollout of VoIP

telecom | 02/17/2004 5:00 am EST

 The long-anticipated entry of Rogers Communications Inc. into the local telephony market hinges on the development of an appropriate regulatory environment, company officials say.  The cableco announced February 12 that it plans to begin rolling out local residential service across its network by mid-2005, with full deployment the following year. Rogers has made similar pronouncements in the past, but this appears to be the real deal."We’ve said for a long time that to get into this business the model would have to be technologically feasible, economically viable and be supported by a reasonable regulatory structure," president/CEO Ted Rogers told a conference...

Sault Ste. Marie becomes first utel in Canada to deploy PLC technology

telecom | 02/17/2004 5:00 am EST

 Canada’s first experiment with powerline communications (PLC) is being tested in Sault Ste. Marie. Both the utel and the equipment supplier expect the technology to be embraced by many companies in this country. PUC Telecom, the service provider in the Soo, has linked with Amperion Inc. to roll out PLC in the...

Online voting declared a success in Canada, but called a danger in the United States

telecom | 02/17/2004 5:00 am EST

 Two recent online voting initiatives have been hailed as successes, but while officials in an Ontario city and a border state are satisfied with Internet voting, a project that would allow Americans to vote digitally has been cancelled. Even though voter turnout increased when the online option was offered, the United...

Government On-Line program not well thought out, auditor general cautions

telecom | 02/17/2004 5:00 am EST

 The federal government’s Government On-Line (GOL) project could become a white elephant, the auditor general of Canada warns. The Cabinet needs to strengthen the GOL framework to provide greater direction and leadership, Sheila Fraser says. "With two years remaining in the six-year Government On-Line...

Frustrations of commuting lead to creation of first telework centre in Canada

telecom | 02/17/2004 5:00 am EST

 The increasing demand for telecommuting has given rise to the need for space for workers who cannot work from home. Two telecom veterans think they have found the perfect solution by establishing a telework hub outside of Toronto. George Horhota and John Cameron have each held executive positions at BCE Emergis,...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 02/17/2004 5:00 am EST

CRTC establishes fast track procedure for dispute resolutionThe CRTC announced in Telecom Circular 2004-2 that it was setting up a series of panels to expedite resolution of competitive issues. The panels will handle disputes involving no more than two parties.  First nations groups complain about MTS serviceA group of aboriginal organizations plan to file a complaint with the CRTC over Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.’s service in the province. It claims MTS is not providing adequate phone coverage in northern sections of the province, thus threatening the health and safety of residents. Cabletel considering sale of all or some assetsBroadband equipment maker Cabletel Communications Corp. says it is considering selling all or a portion of its assets in order to stay afloat (NL, Jan. 19/04). Offers will be accepted until February 17. CRTC settles PIAC complaint over Bell party line subscriptionsIn Telecom Decision 2004-8, the CRTC said it was satisfied that Bell Canada has properly compensated party line subscribers who had...

NL People

telecom | 02/17/2004 5:00 am EST

Joy Rychlik has been named VP marketing at Telus Partner Solutions. She joins the company from Allstream Corp.  YAK Communications Inc. has appointed three new executives. David Hurwitz is now COO U.S. operations & acquisitions. Formerly president/CEO of Capsule Communications, he has also worked for RCN Corp. and Rochester Telecommunications. Patricia Golding is COO Canadian operations. She is a veteran of Telus...

Back in Focus: The ICT Revolution is for real

telecom | 02/17/2004 5:00 am EST

 Bernard Courtois, the new president/CEO of the Information Technology Association of Canada, made his first major speech in Ottawa on February 9. An edited version of his remarks, which may be found in full here, appears below.My message is that the ICT revolution is continuing. And Canadian companies are leading the way. ICT is a core Canadian...

NL Editorial

telecom | 02/17/2004 5:00 am EST

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. There are certain statements you learn to take with a grain of salt because they get repeated so often: This is the funniest Canadian sitcom you’ve ever seen. The Leafs will win the Cup this year. Rogers is going to roll out local telephone service soon.   We were more than a little dubious...

ROW Update

telecom | 02/16/2004 5:00 am EST

First week of bidding in 2300/3500 MHz auction: recapIndustry Canada’s 2300/3500 MHz spectrum auction kicked off one week ago with more action than anticipated. By mid-week several of the bidders’ strategies were becoming apparent. Telus Communications Inc., previously thought to be going after a swath of licences across the country, unveiled a well-hidden strategy of seeking only about a dozen licences in Quebec....

ROW Short Takes

telecom | 02/10/2004 5:00 am EST

Rogers Wireless hypes winter sports with mobile triviaRogers Wireless Inc. has embarked on a cross country tour in conjunction with sports product company K2 visiting the country’s hottest ski resorts to preview Warren Miller’s latest extreme ski and snowboard film. The two companies will also launch the K2 Snowslam winter sport text trivia and download contest. The project will reward customers with a...

ROW People

telecom | 02/10/2004 5:00 am EST

Cygnal Technologies Corp. has announced that Jim Taylor has resigned as president of the service provider solutions group effective March 29 to pursue other entrepreneurial activities. Taylor will be replaced by Todd Rutherford, currently president of Cygnal’s White Radio division. The company is now actively searching for Rutherford’s replacement.   GDI Global Data Inc. has announced that Dan Erlich, a...

ROW International News Briefs

telecom | 02/10/2004 5:00 am EST

Youth market high priority for carriers: Yankee GroupA new report from the Yankee Group says that the youth market is generating healthy returns for carriers. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the youth market reached nearly 57 million people by the end of 2003. The Yankee Group says that nearly 25% of wireless users were aged between 11 and 24 and...

ROW Editorial

telecom | 02/10/2004 5:00 am EST

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports.  The C.D. Howe Institute has confirmed what most telco competitors have already known for some time: the CRTC’s policies on promoting competition in the local residential telephony market haven’t worked and the commission should bear the brunt of the blame (see article here). But as many...

Small players reveal plans for spectrum, others remain mum on strategies

telecom | 02/10/2004 5:00 am EST

 Bidding strategies and usage plans for the spectrum up for grabs in Industry Canada’s 2300/3500 MHz spectrum auction are beginning to surface. While certain small players wouldn’t reveal plans when contacted by Report on Wireless prior to the start of the auction on February 9, others were willing to openly discuss their strategies for the auction and plans for the spectrum if they are able to secure licences. One bidder, which wanted to remain anonymous, says its reason for not talking about its strategy is that it "wants to fly under the radar" and hopefully not catch the attention of other rivals, both large and small. The company already holds licences in the...

Microcell applauds commission decision on extending winback period to 12 months

telecom | 02/10/2004 5:00 am EST

 The success of Microcell Telecommunications Inc.’s CityFido program in Vancouver has been bolstered by one CRTC ruling, but the company is awaiting another decision that could give an even bigger boost to the wireline replacement initiative. Microcell applauds the commission for extending no-contact provisions under...

Lack of local residential telephone competition fault of the CRTC: C.D. Howe

telecom | 02/10/2004 5:00 am EST

 The CRTC is to blame for the lack of competition in the local residential telephony market, a new report from the C.D. Howe Institute concludes. Released earlier this month, Dynamic Competition in Telecommunications: Implications for Regulatory Policy states that the regulatory body made a series of miscalculations...

Telecom Ottawa tests new mesh network technology from BelAir Networks

telecom | 02/10/2004 5:00 am EST

 Telecom Ottawa is testing a new breed of wireless technology that holds the promise of extending the utel’s Internet reach across the broader National Capital Region. Faced with the problem of extending Internet access to customers across a large area for a reasonable cost, Telecom Ottawa has turned to gear from...

Mobilexchange to offer alternative bandwidth for ISPs and businesses

telecom | 02/10/2004 5:00 am EST

 One of Canada’s best-known wireless entrepreneurs will soon offer a comprehensive service to third parties needing wireless capacity. Whether ISPs or enterprises need to just lease spectrum or whether they need to build a network from scratch, Mike Kedar’s Mobilexchange Spectrum Inc. is hoping to provide a...

Large national players pursue faulty strategy in targeting Microcell: SeaBoard

telecom | 02/10/2004 5:00 am EST

 Telus Mobility, Bell Mobility and Rogers Wireless Inc. are barking up the wrong tree trying to persuade Microcell Telecommunications Inc. subscribers to churn, says a new report from the SeaBoard Group. A follow-up report to an October 2003 paper discussing Microcell’s CityFido wireline replacement initiative (RoW, Nov. 5/03), Get Shorty! Canada’s Wireless Market – Through the SeaBoard Looking Glass argues Microcell’s rivals wrongly attacked it as opposed to exploiting larger migration opportunities, namely the local residential wireline market segment.  While the technology marketing and research firm isn’t surprised at the knee-jerk reaction from Telus, it finds the...

NL Update

telecom | 02/09/2004 5:00 am EST

Shaw registers as CLECShaw Communications Inc. has registered with the CRTC as a CLEC. This will facilitate the cableco’s entry into local telephony (NL, Feb. 3/04). Questions had been raised about how VoIP providers could enter the market without CLEC status, since it would be difficult to get phone numbers without it.  Powerline communications launched in Sault Ste. MariePUC Telecom in Sault Ste. Marie has joined...

CLECs claim victory as winback period extended, ILECs say competitors humbled

telecom | 02/03/2004 5:00 am EST

 The rulings by the CRTC to extend the winback promotion period and to roll out Ethernet services are being heralded as victories by both sides in the telecom disputes. The commission gave enough to each to justify the favourable reaction.In Telecom Decision 2004-4, the regulator granted a Part VII application from...

FCM seeks leave to appeal CRTC decision on municipal rights-of-way

telecom | 02/03/2004 5:00 am EST

 As expected, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is seeking leave to appeal a CRTC ruling on municipal rights-of-way. The FCM has joined with the City of Edmonton and the City of Calgary asking the Federal Court of Appeal to overturn Telecom Decision 2003-82. That decision arose from a dispute between...

Shaw announces VoIP plans as Bell Canada continues upgrade of IP network

telecom | 02/03/2004 5:00 am EST

 The rollout of voice over IP continues to be the next wave of telecom. Bell Canada has unveiled the latest level of its Internet Protocol (IP) strategy while the first announcement of VoIP service by a major cableco has been released. Late last month Shaw Communications Inc. said it would become the first large...

New service provides international carriers easier access to American networks

telecom | 02/03/2004 5:00 am EST

 Carrying calls into the chaotic American market has always been a challenge for telcos in other parts of the world. A Chicago-based company hopes it has solved the problem with the introduction of a product that permits easy carriage while retaining telco branding. Universal Access Inc. recently unveiled its...

Release of MyDoom computer virus may be first stage of series of attacks

telecom | 02/03/2004 5:00 am EST

 The release of the MyDoom computer virus may be the harbinger of worse things to come, a security expert believes. The timing of the outbreak contributed greatly to the harm done. The Internet worm was unleashed around 4 p.m. eastern time on January 26. Within 24 hours, close to 1.2 million systems had been...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 02/03/2004 5:00 am EST

Telus, Telecom Workers agree to binding arbitrationTelus Corp. and the Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU) have agreed to enter into binding arbitration to attempt to settle their stalled contract talks. The move follows a decision from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board that said the telco violated the labour code. The two sides have been negotiating for three years. The union’s membership recently voted 86.3%...

NL People

telecom | 02/03/2004 5:00 am EST

Paul Healey is the new president of Bell Canada’s Western Canadian region. He previously served with the telco’s wireless division. He replaces Randy Reynolds, who is retiring as president/CEO of BCE Inc.’s CLEC in Alberta and B.C.  Telus has named Shawn Thomas as VP communications. The Vancouver-based executive previously worked at BC Hydro and the government of British Columbia. Dan Milliard is the new...

NL International News Briefs

telecom | 02/03/2004 5:00 am EST

FCC issues latest telephone subscriber reportThe Federal Communications Commission has released its most recent telephone subscriber report. The regulator found that the telephone penetration rate in the United States was 95.2%. Penetration was highest in New Hampshire (98%) and lowest in Arkansas and New Mexico (90.4%).   American telemarketers required to identify themselvesThe Federal Trade Commission has put new rules in place that force telemarketing firms to make themselves known to people using caller ID. The new regulations are part of the overall Do Not Call regime instituted last year. Time Warner Telecom buys fibre from Enron BroadbandTime Warner Telecom has bought 50 miles of fibre in the Portland OR region from Enron Broadband, a subsidiary of the bankrupt oil giant. Time Warner is paying US$750,000 for the grid. German and French telcos looking at joint R&D projectsDeutsche Telekom and France Télécom are investigating the possibility of working together on research and development projects. The two...

NL Editorial

telecom | 02/03/2004 5:00 am EST

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. The worlds of telecommunications and politics have long intersected. Visitors to the Prime Minister’s Office will find former BCE executive Peter Nicholson and Rogers Wireless honcho Francis Fox sitting pretty. Paul Sparkes, an official with former PM Jean Chrétien, recently announced that his new...

ROW Update

telecom | 02/02/2004 5:00 am EST

 Mobilexchange to lease spectrum to carriers and enterprisesToronto-based Mobilexchange Spectrum Inc. will lease portions of its newly acquired spectrum to carriers and enterprises looking for high-speed point-to-point connections. The company announced on January 23 that it had reached an agreement to acquire the assets of WNI Networks Inc., including 400 MHz of 24 GHz spectrum licences (RoW, Jan. 27/04). Mike...

Ownership of MCS spectrum licences in question, UBS and Microcell tell two stories

telecom | 01/27/2004 5:00 am EST

 Legal action might be the only remedy to settle a dispute between Microcell Telecommunications Inc. and Unique Broadband Systems Inc. over the rights to MCS spectrum Microcell subsidiary Inukshuk Internet Inc. was awarded in 2000 (RoW, April 3/00). The fight was born last year when Inukshuk committed 60 MHz of its...

UBS withdraws from spectrum auction, cites healthy spectrum position

telecom | 01/27/2004 5:00 am EST

 Unique Broadband Systems Inc. (UBS) has pulled out of Industry Canada’s 2300 MHz and 3500 MHz spectrum auction. The move comes after UBS received CRTC approval to buy an additional 21% of Look Communications Inc., giving UBS a 51% stake in the ISP and wireless cable TV provider.  Phil Koven, a representative...

Update: Three more drop out of auction

telecom | 01/27/2004 5:00 am EST

 Three more 2300/3500 MHz spectrum auction suitors have dropped out, bringing the total number of withdrawn participants to five. Unique Broadband Systems Inc. had withdrawn from the auction earlier this month (see article here). 2029507 Ontario Inc. also withdrew earlier this month. Richmond Hill ON-based Softrade Inc., which had deposited nearly $1.2 million, withdrew along with two smaller players Arctic Data Systems and Urban Networks Inc. Arctic Data, Yellowknife NT, deposited $5,000 and was likely trying to secure at least a single licence in the North.  The company may have realized that it couldn’t compete against the incumbent Northwestel Inc. Urban Networks deposited $60,000, enough money to bid on the G-band Vancouver licence or secure multiple licences on...

RABC calls on department to allocate more sub-1 GHz spectrum to land mobile

telecom | 01/27/2004 5:00 am EST

 The Radio Advisory Board of Canada (RABC) is asking Industry Canada to add a land-mobile spectrum allocation to the 216-222 MHz frequency range to redress an urgent need for additional bandwidth to support growing land mobile and public safety requirements.  Details of the proposal have been published in a draft...

Spectrum auction a potential showcase for Canadian equipment makers

telecom | 01/27/2004 5:00 am EST

 Industry Canada’s upcoming 2300 MHz and 3500 MHz spectrum auction represents not only huge potential in providing Canadians high-speed access to the information superhighway, but could also be a boon to Canadian equipment makers supplying the on-ramps to cyberspace.  Canada has long been one of the leaders in...

ROW Short Takes

telecom | 01/27/2004 5:00 am EST

Microcell and Telus could be headed to courtMicrocell Telecommunications Inc. and Telus Mobility are facing off in what could turn out to be an ugly court battle over Microcell’s analog roaming agreement with Telus. Microcell, the country’s smallest national wireless operator, is asking the B.C. Supreme Court for an injunction to ensure that Telus doesn’t cut its roaming connection. According to the filing, Telus...

ROW People

telecom | 01/27/2004 5:00 am EST

Wireless Matrix Corp. has announced the retirement of John Herring as president and CEO. Al Milligan, VP of Wireless Matrix, has been appointed interim president. Company CFO Mark Weder will assist in executive functions in the short term.  Shawn Thomas has been appointed VP communications at Telus. Prior to joining the firm, he was senior VP of marketing, communications and public affairs with BC Hydro.  Susan...

ROW International Briefs

telecom | 01/27/2004 5:00 am EST

AT&T Wireless/Cingular merger good newsA merger between AT&T Wireless and Cingular would be good for both companies, according to U.S.-based telecom analyst Jeff Kagan. He writes in an email to Report on Wireless that not only would the merged entity become the largest wireless provider in the U.S., it would also be a healthier company "with more revenue, more market share, more spectrum and lower costs since...

Coming into the city limits along the road of analog to digital transition

telecom | 01/27/2004 5:00 am EST

 Federal Communications Commission chair Michael Powell spoke on January 14 to the U.S. National Press Club about the migration from an analog to digital world. He talked about taking a light-handed approach to regulation concerning Voice over IP and other communications platforms such as broadband wireless. The...

ROW Editorial

telecom | 01/27/2004 5:00 am EST

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports.  Unique Broadband Systems Inc.’s dispute with Microcell Telecommunications Inc. over rights to MCS spectrum could be coming to a head in the near future (see lead article). While UBS executives are mum on possible action against Microcell, it seems likely UBS won’t let the problem continue for...

NL Update

telecom | 01/26/2004 5:00 am EST

Nortel to sell off manufacturing facilitiesNortel Networks will cease manufacturing telecom equipment, concentrating on R&D instead, the company announced. The company is hoping to sell its plants in Calgary and Montreal as well as divisions in Brazil, Ulster and France. The Canadian firm is currently holding discussions with Singapore-based Flextronics Corp. to sell the fabrication facilities.Rogers boosts...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 01/19/2004 5:00 am EST

Telus troubles with service are history, company saysWestern ILEC Telus Corp. says it has significantly improved its customer service. The company maintains its service levels are above where they were before an efficiency program was instituted.   Contract talks continue for two largest ILECsThe Telecommunications Workers Union has issued a background paper telling its members where the union and Telus Communications Inc. differ on contract negotiations as the telco says it will table its final offer this week. Meanwhile, talks between Bell Canada and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada are continuing. SaskTel applies for local rate increases and lowers LD ratesSaskTel has applied to the CRTC for increases in its local business rates. The provincially-owned telco has also unveiled cuts to its various LD plans. Bell Canada joins major firms to form anti-spam coalitionBell Canada is among a group of telcos, ISPs and software companies who are forming an industry coalition to battle spam. The...

NL People

telecom | 01/19/2004 5:00 am EST

Bernard Courtois is the new president/CEO of the Information Technology Association of Canada. He recently retired as executive counsel at BCE Inc. and Bell Canada (NL, Dec. 8/03).  David Colville has been re-appointed to another one-year term as the CRTC’s vice-chair for telecommunications and regional commissioner for the Atlantic provinces. He has been vice-chair since 1995 and was initially appointed to the...

NL International News Briefs

telecom | 01/19/2004 5:00 am EST

American consumers limited in lawsuits, Supreme Court rulesThe Supreme Court of the United States decided, in the Verizon Communications v. Trinko case, that consumers cannot use American antitrust laws in suits that claim regional telcos are providing substandard service to CLECs. The court also declined to hear appeals of two cases that would have...

NL Editorial

telecom | 01/19/2004 5:00 am EST

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. The new year has rolled in offering hope to the various sectors of the telecom industry. Last year’s triumphs and tragedies are history as we move forward into a new business cycle.   CLECs were generally happy with 2003. The CRTC continued to issue rulings that seek to boost competition...

ROW Update

telecom | 01/19/2004 5:00 am EST

 RoW Executive briefing notesReport on Wireless provides in-depth analysis of potential bidding strategiesCanada’s third spectrum auction is set to begin on February 9, and as part of its comprehensive auction coverage, Report on Wireless has conducted an in-depth bidding strategy analysis for each of the participants. While the large national players Bell Canada, Telus Communications Inc. and Rogers Wireless Inc....

Unions and cultural groups vow to make foreign ownership election issue

telecom | 01/19/2004 5:00 am EST

 Canada’s telecom unions are joining with cultural groups to battle the liberalization of foreign investment restrictions in the communications sector. To persuade the politicians, the largest union commissioned a public opinion poll that found Canadians are opposed to changes to the current regime. The results were released as 10 organizations gathered on Parliament Hill on January 15 to plan strategy for their campaign. "We are calling on the prime minister to take the issue of foreign ownership out of ‘limboland’ and confirm to Canadians that there will be no selloff," Peter Murdoch, media VP of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP)...

Competition Bureau investigating high access fees dispute as trial continues

telecom | 01/19/2004 5:00 am EST

 The Competition Bureau has been investigating the practice of charging unreasonably high telecom access fees for several months as a dispute between two large landlords and a CLEC winds its way through the courts. But insiders are hopeful that a resolution can be negotiated before the judge issues a decision. The...

Telcos place faith in VoIP but several key questions remain unanswered

telecom | 01/19/2004 5:00 am EST

 Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is being heralded as the greatest thing since spliced cables. Many players, both traditional telcos and upstarts, are flocking to the technology. But obscured by all the hype are several pressing concerns. Major ILECs such as Bell Canada and Telus Communications Inc. are in the...

Bell DSL plan on hold until CRTC examines deferral account clearance

telecom | 01/19/2004 5:00 am EST

 Aproposal by Bell Canada to use funds from its deferral account is being suspended while the CRTC looks at broader issues of the accounts. The original suggestion is the subject of vehement discussion on both sides. Last month the ILEC submitted an application that would have allowed it to use money from the...

Canadian broadband increasing at slower levels than rest of world, new study says

telecom | 01/19/2004 5:00 am EST

 Canada continues to rank third in the penetration of overall global broadband but the popularity of cable modems has slipped slightly. But this country and the United States defy international convention by preferring cable to DSL. Those were among the findings in the most recent World Broadband Statistics: Q3...

TeleZone case against Industry Canada takes new shape in New Year

telecom | 01/13/2004 5:00 am EST

The federal government may soon find itself subject to a summary judgement in its fight against TeleZone Inc. as former Industry Canada minister John Manley failed to appear before a court recently to defend the department’s 1995 PCS licensing process. Lawyers representing TeleZone in its longstanding civil case...

Rogers Wireless and Microcell want equality in final CDNA regime

telecom | 01/13/2004 5:00 am EST

 Rogers Wireless Inc. and Microcell Solutions Inc. are asking for equal treatment alongside other wireline telecommunications service providers when interconnecting with incumbent telcos’ digital transport networks, known as competitor digital network access (CDNA) services. The two wireless service providers put...

Auction expected to net government about $140 million, Report on Wireless predicts

telecom | 01/13/2004 5:00 am EST

Ottawa will net between $140 million and $170 million in the upcoming 2300 MHz and 3500 MHz spectrum auction, set to begin later this month, Report on Wireless predicts. The take will be in the same range as the 1999 24/38 GHz auction haul of $170 million, but substantially lower than the $1.5 billion the 2001 PCS spectrum...

National players to rule the day in upcoming 2300 MHz and 3500 MHz auction

telecom | 01/13/2004 5:00 am EST

 Incumbent national telcos Bell Canada and Telus Communications Inc., and wireless operator Rogers Wireless Inc. will likely have little difficulty winning the majority of the 2300 MHz and 3500 MHz spectrum licences in the upcoming federal auction. Auction observers say the three large companies will duke it out...

Two new science positions demonstrate Martin’s commitment to technology

telecom | 01/13/2004 5:00 am EST

 Industry observers say that Prime Minister Paul Martin demonstrated a real commitment to increased use of and greater access to technology when he unveiled the newly created positions of National Science Advisor and Parliamentary secretary for science and small business.  This should constitute good news for the wireless industry, which has seen its technology proliferate throughout Canada’s business and consumer segments. Martin introduced the new posts, which are part of a larger government restructuring, on December 12.  The National Science Advisor will help develop science and technology priorities and directions in conjunction with the National Advisory Council on...

ROW Short Takes

telecom | 01/13/2004 5:00 am EST

Rogers Wireless releases Q4 2003 figures, 2004 guidanceRogers Wireless Inc. has released preliminary Q4 and 2003 fiscal year subscriber numbers. In Q4, the company recorded 172,100 net additions and added 402,000 new subscribers for the entire fiscal year. Rogers Wireless now has nearly 3.8 million subscribers. The company expects to add between 350,000 and 400,000 new voice and data subscribers in 2004. Capital...

ROW People

telecom | 01/13/2004 5:00 am EST

Infowave Software Inc. has appointed three new people to its board of directors. Gerald Trooien, a holder of a substantial number of Infowave shares, will replace his former nominee Bill Weiss.  Christine Rogers, former senior VP of operations at Mobile Data Solutions Inc. and senior VP of global services at Pivotal Corp., and Geoffrey Belsher, partner of Blake Cassels and Graydon LLP, have joined the board. Stephen...

ROW International News Briefs

telecom | 01/13/2004 5:00 am EST

Less is more in devicesConsumers and business users alike are more likely to use devices that integrate voice and personal information management capabilities, rather than devices that also include a host of other features, according to research from Jupiter Research. "Too many features are being integrated into the devices, at the expense of the...

ROW Editorial

telecom | 01/13/2004 5:00 am EST

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. TeleZone Inc. investors apparently have new reason for optimism in their case against the federal government’s awarding of PCS licences in 1995 (see lead article). When former Industry Canada minister John Manley didn’t appear for a discoveries examination to answer questions from TeleZone, it...

NL Update

telecom | 01/12/2004 5:00 am EST

 Primus launches VoIP servicePrimus Telecommunications Canada Inc. has unveiled its TalkBroadband service. The service uses Voice over IP to deliver voice telephony to subscribers. The product, which starts at $19.95 a month, does not feature 911 service.Lawsuits against BCE and BCI dismissedThe Ontario Superior Court of Justice has dismissed two shareholder suits against Bell Canada International Inc. and BCE Inc. over the issuance of BCI shares. The actions were filed by shareholders Wilfred Shaw and Cameron Gillespie. BCI has also announced that it has completed the sale of its broadband operations in Brazil.BCE Emergis exits U.S. marketBCE Emergis Inc. has sold its shares in American subsidiary BCE Emergis Corp. for $276 million. The deal, with MultiPlan Inc., is expected to close next month. BCE Emergis says it is planning to concentrate on the Canadian market.CGI management team to retain control of companyCGI Group Inc. announced that control of the company is still in the hands of its founders. Serge Godin, André Imbeau and...

New Cabinet features members knowledgeable about telecom concerns

telecom | 12/22/2003 5:00 am EST

The advent of a new government in Ottawa brings several new Cabinet members who are knowledgeable about the telecom sector and the problems it faces. But the likelihood of an election in the spring negates any real possibility of concrete action on the sector in the short term.Several of the new appointees to Prime Minister...

Bell Canada assumes total control of Bell West by buying MTS stake

telecom | 12/22/2003 5:00 am EST

The ever-evolving path of Bell West took another turn last week when Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. announced it is selling its 40% stake in the carrier to its partner Bell Canada. This is the third major change in ownership since the company was formed four years ago.Beginning life as Bell Intrigna in 1999, the carrier had...

Government hears from all sides in lawful access debate at first parlay

telecom | 12/22/2003 5:00 am EST

The federal government has held its first meeting with several key players affected by lawful access matters. But finding consensus among parties with disparate aims proved difficult, due to time constraints and differences in philosophy. The session had already been delayed once because bureaucrats in the government...

Government assistance needed but limits need to be set, telecom conference told

telecom | 12/22/2003 5:00 am EST

The various government departments and agencies that affect the workings of the telecommunications sector should work towards improving the situation for the industry without being too intrusive, a recent conference was told. That was the message from three communications industry executives at a session of the Canadian...

High-tech device ownership related to high-speed Internet access: Decima survey

telecom | 12/22/2003 5:00 am EST

People who use various electronic devices are likely to embrace high-speed Internet services, a new survey has found. Users of cell phones, laptop computers and PDAs also show a greater likelihood of having a high-speed Internet connection at home and/or at work compared to those who do not.Decima Research Inc. surveyed...

Internet outages during summer blackout greater than originally believed

telecom | 12/22/2003 5:00 am EST

The Internet worked fairly well during last summer’s blackout in Ontario and the American northeast but connectivity was more seriously affected than initially thought, according to a report from Renesys Corp. of Hanover NH. Authors of the Impact of the 2003 Blackouts on Internet Communications report conclude that...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 12/22/2003 5:00 am EST

Final contribution charges unveiled by CRTCThe CRTC has ruled, in Telecom Decision 2003-84, that the final 2003 contribution charges and the 2003 subsidy per network access service for the five major ILECs will be 1.1%. It also granted interim approval to revised subsidy requirements for Télébec and Telus Québec.  Bell Canada increases speeds of Internet offeringFollowing the example of Rogers Cable Inc. (NL...

NL People

telecom | 12/22/2003 5:00 am EST

Christian Trudeau, who was at BCE Emergis Inc. since its founding, is stepping down as president/COO. CEO Tony Gaffney will assume the president's duties; there will be no COO. Sue Ernst has been appointed executive VP service delivery operations at the BCE Inc. subsidiary.   Mirko Bibic will become the new chief of regulatory affairs for Bell Canada next month. He had been managing partner of the Ottawa...

NL International News Briefs

telecom | 12/22/2003 5:00 am EST

FCC issues citations over Do Not Call registryThe Federal Communications Commission has cited CPM Funding Inc. of California for disobeying the national Do Not Call rules. It has also asked Time-Life Inc. to explain complaints made about its telemarketing practices violating the regulations.  Worldwide email traffic more than doubles in 2003A study by the Radicati Group found global email traffic grew by 106% in 2003. The American research firm reports the number of active email accounts increased to 902 million. SBC provides fibre-to-the-premises using Alcatel productSBC Communications Inc. has signed a supplier agreement with Alcatel for fibre-to-the-premises using Alcatel’s 7340 product. The four-year deal is non-exclusive. Developing nations want ITU to handle Internet governanceA group of developing nations has suggested the International Telecommunication Union should take over major Internet policy decisions, including antispam measures and domain distribution. Such a move would severely weaken the power of the...

NL Editorial

telecom | 12/22/2003 5:00 am EST

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. The arrival of a new government can be a time for optimism. The total overhaul of the federal Cabinet instituted by newly minted Prime Minister Paul Martin is a hopeful sign for the telecom sector. As our lead story points out, many of those who now find themselves seated at the Cabinet table have...

Industry Canada sets new, lower rate for spectrum licensing fees

telecom | 12/16/2003 5:00 am EST

Unified wireless industry opposition to a high licence fee for analog and non-auctioned PCS spectrum has apparently carried the day as Industry Canada has slashed its originally proposed rate. Though none of the wireless operators are entirely happy, none has expressed disappointment with a new $0.035 per MHz per person...

ROW Short Takes

telecom | 12/16/2003 5:00 am EST

Telus expands Ottawa public and gov’t affairs teamTelus Corp.’s newly created federal government relations and broadband policy team in Ottawa will champion issues related primarily to the company’s wireline communications business, but will lend a hand on wireless issues in specific circumstances. The expanded office will now include Janet Yale, executive VP of government and regulatory affairs; Ian Scott, VP of...

RoW People

telecom | 12/16/2003 5:00 am EST

The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association elected its board of directors for 2003-2004 on December 4. Dawn Hunt, of Rogers Wireless Inc., is chair. Vice-chairs are Mark Henderson from Ericsson Canada, Almis Ledas of Bell Mobility and Robert Simmonds from Telus Mobility. Mickey MacDonald, DownEast Communications, is treasurer. The secretary is Jerry Sedmak of Omega Communications. Garry Fitzgerald of Madison...

RoW International Short Takes

telecom | 12/16/2003 5:00 am EST

Hotspot locations skyrocket in three yearsWorldwide hotspot locations have skyrocketed from a few hundred in 2000 to approximately 40,000 in 2003, according to research from In-Stat/MDR. Despite the success in rapidly expanding the number of hotspot venues, hotspot usage continues to lag, according to the market research firm. It conducted a survey on usage and found that while half of survey respondents used visitor-based networks (VBNs), found in hotels for example, they used them infrequently. In all venues except hotels, the majority of respondents indicated using hotspots less than six times per year and the average monthly VBN expenditure among users was US$12.10. Wi-Fi Planet talks hotspot security and speedAt a panel session at the recent Wi-Fi Planet conference, representatives from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) laid out broad timetables for the implementation of improved security for the three 802.11 Wi-Fi standards. They also talked about enabling higher throughput speeds and Voice over...

RoW Editorial

telecom | 12/16/2003 5:00 am EST

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. Prime Minister Paul Martin’s new Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness department appears to be a step in the right direction for getting our public protection disaster relief (PPDR) house in order. As one industry observer noted, the creation of this new portfolio signals the Martin...

NL Update

telecom | 12/15/2003 5:00 am EST

CRTC unveils changes to price floor safeguardsThe CRTC is seeking submissions on changes to the imputation test and service bundling rules. Other comments on the regulatory framework around these issues are also being solicited. The call comes in Telecom Public Notice 2003-10, released December 8. Commission updates data registration formatIn Telecom Circular 2003-1, the CRTC has listed some changes to its monitoring...

Incumbents firmly in control of telecom market, latest CRTC study confirms

telecom | 12/08/2003 5:00 am EST

 Canada’s incumbent telecommunications service providers continue to dominate the local and business telephony markets, confirms the third of five CRTC annual reports on the state of tele-communications services competition. The vast majority of the $32-billion industry is being funnelled back to the incumbents that...

Bell Canada seeks to roll out DSL using funds from price cap deferral account

telecom | 12/08/2003 5:00 am EST

 Bell Canada want to use funds set aside as part of the price cap ruling (NL, June 18/02) to finance the rollout of broadband to unserved areas. The telecom giant would foot between 20% and 30% of the cost per line deployed, while the balance would come from the deferral account. The telco filed an application on...

CRTC opts to rule on municipal rights-of-way on case-by-case basis

telecom | 12/08/2003 5:00 am EST

 The CRTC says that its powers aren’t broad enough to issue blanket rulings on municipal access arrangements (MAAs) despite having the jurisdiction to do so. As a result of its decision (Telecom Decision 2003-82) last week, the commission will proceed on a case-by-case basis. On December 4, the regulator finally...

Utels active as Hydro-Québec tests PLC and Telecom Ottawa enters consumer ISP space

telecom | 12/08/2003 5:00 am EST

 Two utility companies are broadening their telecommunications service offerings, providing greater choice to consumers and businesses. Hydro-Québec is preparing to break into the commercial delivery of Internet service over powerlines, while Telecom Ottawa is set to add the consumer market to its Internet...

Gov’t heeds telecom industry concerns, readies lawful access bill for spring

telecom | 12/08/2003 5:00 am EST

 The federal government has listened to complaints from the telecom industry and has changed some of the provisions of its lawful access proposals. It hopes to have a full legislative package to present to Parliament by the spring. Last year, the government released a consultation paper on new potential lawful...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 12/08/2003 5:00 am EST

Telus says complaints down, Northwestel disagreesNorthwestel’s Internet customers were without service on December 3 and the northern ILEC is blaming problems with Telus Communications Inc. for the disruption. Meanwhile, Telus says that, despite recent bad publicity on CBC-TV’s Marketplace, the number of quality of service complaints fell in November from October.   Alcatel to cut jobs in Ottawa as part of...

NL People

telecom | 12/08/2003 5:00 am EST

Bell Canada has seen some major changes at the senior level. Stephen Markey is joining the company as chief of government relations. He had been VP government relations and regulatory affairs at Air Canada and senior VP, corporate and government affairs at Canadian Airlines. The new VP public affairs at the telco is Johanne Senécal. She previously served as special policy advisor in the Prime Minister’s Office. After 34 years with Bell, Linda Gervais is retiring as VP federal government relations. Executive counsel Bernard Courtois will retire at the end of the month. He tells Network Letter that after a dozen years with the telco he is exploring other options, although he would not be more specific.   AOL Canada Inc. has bolstered its front office with several promotions. George Hamam is the new VP finance. He had been senior director of financial planning and analysis for the ISP. Steven Koles is now GM of the Netscape Online business unit. He has worked for AOL Canada for the last year, after previously toiling for Group...