NL Update

telecom | 11/26/2001 5:00 am EST

 Rogers resting @homeRogers Cable Inc. delayed its transfer of high-speed Internet customers from the "@home.com" domain name to "@rogers.com" by a day last week. Company officials maintain the postponement was necessary to serve customers better. More details. CRTC roundup: Toronto area overlay plan confirmedThe CRTC has directed Bell Canada to take the necessary steps to be ready for...

SaskTel sides with Telus over restructured band ruling, files appeal on metred costs

telecom | 11/19/2001 5:00 am EST

One of Canada’s smaller ILECs agrees with one of the biggest that the CRTC should change its decision on restructured bands, but its justification for demanding the modification is different. While Telus Corp. has tied its request to alterations in the contribution scheme (NL, Nov. 6/01), SaskTel believes commissioners...

PCNet International seeks to move beyond British Columbia borders to rest of Canada

telecom | 11/19/2001 5:00 am EST

A British Columbia Internet service provider has been quietly expanding over the last year and is now preparing to move into the national market over the next 24 months. Victoria-based PCNet International Inc. plans to move into Ontario without any bias toward large or small cities. "Ontario is the next market...

Internet re-regulation true motive of IMCAIP filing, Bell charges in latest filings

telecom | 11/19/2001 5:00 am EST

The Bell conglomerate is firing back at a group of independent Internet service providers who accuse it of undercutting its prices for high-speed connectivity. The telecom giant accuses the ISPs of wanting to re-establish regulation of the industry. Last summer, the Independent Members of the Canadian Association of...

Telcos dispute broadcasters’ version of effects of contribution revenue plan

telecom | 11/19/2001 5:00 am EST

A group of telecom service providers has fired back at the consortium of broadcasters that is seeking to overturn the CRTC’s decision on contribution. The telcos are critical of the proposed remedy and ask the government to dismiss the Cabinet appeal entirely (NL, Sept.11/01). Telus Communications Inc., SaskTel and the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) have each submitted interventions on a petition to the governor in council filed by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB), the Canadian Satellite Users’ Association (CSUA), and Star Choice Television Network Inc. (NL, Oct. 10/01). The CRTC has already dealt with the issue in previous rulings, the telcos...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 11/19/2001 5:00 am EST

Futureway offers high-speed service in Toronto regionFutureway Communications Inc. has unveiled its high-speed service to business clients in the Greater Toronto Area. The CLEC can deliver ADSL and SDSL at greater distances and speeds up to six Mbs.  WorldCom opens data centre in Toronto, others may followWorldCom Canada has opened a data centre in Toronto to partner with its recently completed facilities in...

NL People

telecom | 11/19/2001 5:00 am EST

Helena Cain is the new president of Aliant Telecom Business Services, effective Nov. 22. She joined NBTel in 1986 and was chosen as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40. The former VP of subsidiary Innovatia succeeds Jack Travis, who is retiring after 25 years with NBTel and Aliant, including a stint as president/COO of NBTel.  Jeffrey Dale will take over as president of the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation on...

Are we ready for changes to foreign direct investment in telecom in Canada?

telecom | 11/19/2001 5:00 am EST

The recent Communications 2001 conference in Toronto featured a panel on the future of foreign ownership restrictions in Canada. Among the participants was Chris Peirce, VP regulatory and government affairs for AT&T Canada. An abridged version of his opening remarks appears below.It is fair to say that we like to tout...

NL Editorial

telecom | 11/19/2001 5:00 am EST

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. Things are starting to look hopeful for the telecom industry, but it may not yet be time to start singing Happy Days Are Here Again. If you’re looking to get rich quick, it’s probably a better bet to flog Harry Potter tie-ins or open a barbershop in Kabul.  But there are signs, however slight,...

ROW Update

telecom | 11/19/2001 5:00 am EST

Industry Canada adds mobile allocation to 2500-2690 MHz bandFollowing a move by its U.S. counterpart, Industry Canada has decided to add a mobile allocation to the 2500 MHz band and has re-affirmed its commitment to the MDS and MCS services operating in the band by saying operators won’t have to migrate to another band. The changes are not yet written in stone as the department has announced a consultation to gauge the...

TMI, Motient want to build land network to improve coverage of satellite system

telecom | 11/13/2001 5:00 am EST

TMI Communications, Ottawa, and U.S.-based Motient Corp. are asking the federal government for approval to build a controversial terrestrial network to expand and improve its satellite service in urban areas – a plan similar to ones in the U.S. that PCS players there have already opposed. TMI and Motient, which are in the...

Opposition mounts to opening up radio licensing information to third parties

telecom | 11/13/2001 5:00 am EST

Law enforcement agencies, federal government departments, and major telecommunications carriers are citing the events of Sept. 11 in telling Industry Canada not to make any changes to the current framework regarding the release of radio licensing information to the general public. They say that in the wake of the terrorist...

Eligibility still major issue as incumbents face off against new entrants

telecom | 11/13/2001 5:00 am EST

Incumbent wireless service providers are fending off a bid by smaller operators for a new entrant set-aside in the next spectrum auction. Debating how an auction for 2300/3400 MHz spectrum should be conducted, ILECs and potential new entrants are trying to convince Industry Canada that their respective positions would...

Debate on foreign ownership needs to begin immediately, wireless players say

telecom | 11/13/2001 5:00 am EST

Security issues shouldn’t put an urgent discussion of foreign ownership limits on the backburner, delegates at the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association’s Communications 2001 were told. While the foreign ownership issue has taken a backseat to national protection in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks in the U.S., wireless carriers are still in agreement that the time for action on relaxing current rules is now. Each of the country’s wireless companies is in favour of lowering foreign ownership thresholds, but are still struggling with an appropriate timeframe to move in that direction. While some advocate quick resolution to the situation, others are proposing a go-slow...

Telesat should be treated the same as other telecommunications service providers

telecom | 11/13/2001 5:00 am EST

Canada’s wireless lobby and two incumbent service providers are opposing a broad exemption for Telesat Canada from new contribution rules even though the facilities-based satellite carrier primarily serves the broadcasting market. They argue that since some of Telesat’s customers are providing other...

Bits and Bytes from Communciations 2001

telecom | 11/13/2001 5:00 am EST

SpotWave plans new vehicle-based system for next yearSpotWave Wireless Inc., Ottawa, is developing a vehicle-based wireless signal extension system that it plans to release sometime next year, Report on Wireless has learned. Last month, the company unveiled its first product, the SpotCell 100, which extends cell phone signals into dead spots of...

ROW Short Takes

telecom | 11/13/2001 5:00 am EST

WaveRider unveils latest wirelesss access productWaveRider Communications unveiled plans on Nov. 9 for its LMS 4000, the latest generation in its Last Mile Solution products. It is touting the product as the "first fixed wireless product to operate using multiple frequencies to deliver a range of Internet access speeds" to both business and residential subscribers. The product integrates the company’s...

ROW People

telecom | 11/13/2001 5:00 am EST

John Herring has assumed the role of CEO of Wireless Matrix Corp. He has been president of the company since May. Herring joined Wireless Matrix when Norcom Networks, which he founded in 1993, was taken over by the Calgary-based services developer. J.T. Knight, the previous CEO, will continue in his position as chair of the board of Wireless Matrix.  Rogers AT&T Wireless has appointed two new GMs in Ontario....

Canadian wireless industry in unique position to lead in the area of convergence

telecom | 11/13/2001 5:00 am EST

The benefits of convergence have been hyped for some time, but they’re beginning to come to fruition. It’s still early days in the convergence era and it will take several years for the hype to become reality. Industry players say the right mix of regulation and technology innovation is needed for convergence to succeed. At Communications 2001 in Toronto last week, John Sheridan opened the conference and trade show with a broad discussion of the wireless industry and convergence. The following is an edited excerpt of his presentation. What does convergence really mean? When is it going to happen?"Last year’s media buzzword," Canadian Business reported in the spring...

ROW Editorial

telecom | 11/13/2001 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 Canadian wireless industry shouldn’t count its chickens just yet following the announcement of its short messaging service (SMS) interoperability initiative at Communications 2001 last week in Toronto.  Removing the last hurdle to inter-carrier SMS capabilities is no doubt a major step...

NL Update

telecom | 11/12/2001 5:00 am EST

Orbit seeks inquiry into stock irregularitiesToronto’s Orbit E-Commerce Inc. has asked the Securities and Exchange Commission and the National Association of Securities Dealers to investigate irregularities in trading of its shares. The company says buyers have had trouble getting delivery of their securities. More details. AFN signs on to broadband campaignThe Assembly of First Nations has endorsed the proposal to...

Price cap hearings end with call for changes by Competition Bureau

telecom | 11/06/2001 5:00 am EST

As the price cap hearings before the CRTC wound down, a government agency called for the maintenance of the current structure but with some modifications. The Competition Bureau believes its formula will lessen uncertainty for telcos, investors, and the general public. The bureau filed a submission in the final stages...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 11/06/2001 5:00 am EST

Data services overtake LD at AT&T CanadaThe provision of local, data, Internet and similar services now makes up 59% of the revenue base for AT&T Canada Corp., a jump from 54% last year at this time. In releasing its Q3 numbers, the telco said revenues from long distance were down to 41% from 46% a year earlier.  UBS disputes Dolgonos’ version of eventsUnique Broadband Systems Inc. is disputing a news...

NL People

telecom | 11/06/2001 5:00 am EST

Bell Canada International has named Bill Anderson as CEO in addition to his duties as chair of the BCE subsidiary. Anderson is also president of BCE Ventures. He replaces Louis Tanguay, who is retiring. Tanguay will become vice-chair of BCI.  Gerry Pond is retiring as president of Aliant Telecom and Emerging Business. The 35-year telecom veteran, who began his career at NBTel, will serve as EVP of Aliant Inc. and as...

Deployment of broadband should not rely on government subsidy: FCC commissioner

telecom | 11/06/2001 5:00 am EST

As Canada prepares its own rollout of broadband to all parts of the country, a member of the Federal Communications Commission offers a different perspective. Commissioner Kevin Martin spoke to the National Summit on Broadband Deployment late last month. Here is an edited version of his remarks.  Encouraging...

NL Editorial

telecom | 11/06/2001 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 fight for a national connectivity strategy is more heated than ever. When the National Broadband Task Force released its final report last June, the reaction was mixed. Part of that can be attributed to the difficulty the federal government had in getting an accurate message out (NL, July 3/01)....

Telus will seek Cabinet appeal if CRTC doesn’t amend contribution ruling

telecom | 11/06/2001 5:00 am EST

Telus Corp. is appealing two CRTC decisions affecting the contribution scheme and will ask for Cabinet help if it is not successful in the first round. The company emphasizes it needs a rapid decision so it can begin making financial plans. The western-based telco filed a review and vary application on Decision...

City of Ottawa prepares to enter telecom market through hydro firm

telecom | 11/06/2001 5:00 am EST

One more utility company is getting ready to enter the telecommunications market, as officials at Hydro Ottawa are preparing to spin off a new division that will utilize the power firm’s network assets. Telecom Ottawa Ltd. is expected to be fully operational by the end of this year or early 2002. "There are three models," Hydro Ottawa EVP David Dobbin tells Network Letter. "We’re still going to continue leasing dark fibre for those who want it. We will act as a carrier’s carrier, as well providing broadband services to enterprise." Hydro Ottawa’s telecom initiative is currently a one-man operation – Dobbin. But an advertisement for Telecom Ottawa has...

Cogeco departure signals slowdown in rollout of Internet Protocol telephony

telecom | 11/06/2001 5:00 am EST

The prophets of IP telephony as the wave of the future have been thrown for a loss by the retreat of a large cableco from the market. Cogeco Inc. announced last month that it was pulling out of its IP project, with a write-off of $29.3 million for the last quarter of this fiscal year. That’s a far cry from the...

ROW Update

telecom | 11/05/2001 5:00 am EST

TMI wants to use satellite spectrum to provide terrestrial serviceA joint venture between TMI Communications and Motient Corp. wants to be able to use slices of satellite spectrum to improve the coverage of satellite services throughout Canada and is seeking Industry Canada approval to do so. The department has launched a consultation process on the issue and has invited interested parties to file comments by Dec. 11. The...

Increased competition likely benefit of Bell and Telus resale agreement

telecom | 10/30/2001 5:00 am EST

Smaller urban and rural regions of the country can expect to see an increase in competition and the introduction of new advanced wireless data services more quickly than thought following a recently signed resale and roaming agreement between two of the country’s largest mobile wireless operators. A landmark agreement...

Wireless Internet set to get significant boost in the next 12 months: Decima report

telecom | 10/30/2001 5:00 am EST

Early adopters have already begun purchasing wireless Internet services in numbers that bode well for the industry, according to a soon-to-be published report. The Decima Publishing Inc. report indicates relatively high levels of interest by Canadians in purchasing a wireless device and then subscribing to wireless data...

724 Solutions enters the wireless telco space with new secure mobile software

telecom | 10/30/2001 5:00 am EST

Toronto-based 724 Solutions Inc. is touting the benefits of transactional-based revenue over traditional per-minute sources as it introduces a new line of products aimed at wireless service providers. Company executives are arguing that, unlike the traditional model of charging for minutes used or per kilobit of data downloaded, a new transaction-based revenue model will allow carriers to charge for such things as alert notification and m-commerce applications.  With a history of managing secure transactions over mobile networks, it was a natural step to move into this market, explains 724 chair Greg Wolfond. While the base technology applies to financial institutions in enabling bill...

Lines drawn in the sand as two sides debate eligibility over auction participation

telecom | 10/30/2001 5:00 am EST

Eligibility appears to be a key sticking point as parties to the next spectrum auction debate access to high-speed fixed wireless bandwidth. A large contingent of smaller companies is advocating a set-aside of bandwidth versus the open auction supported by the larger players, and non-incumbents point to a perceived failure...

Craig Wireless and Image Wireless want WCS spectrum all to themselves

telecom | 10/30/2001 5:00 am EST

The wireless cable industry is running out of spectrum to accommodate high-speed Internet services, and wants preferred access to bandwidth at 2300 MHz to rectify the shortage. Craig Wireless Systems Inc. and Image Wireless Communications Inc. are urging Industry Canada to give them special treatment in any auction for WCS...

Companies use wireless to improve employee efficiency and mobile workers

telecom | 10/30/2001 5:00 am EST

Improving employee efficiency and addressing a growing number of remote workers are the two primary reasons a vast majority of American companies are choosing to implement wireless components to corporate networks, according to a new study by International Data Corp. (IDC). The study indicates that large companies are the...

ROW Short Takes

telecom | 10/30/2001 5:00 am EST

Wireless operators make surprising turnaround in third quarterThe country’s four national wireless service providers have made a healthy turnaround in third-quarter subscriber additions, making considerable gains compared to Q2 figures. The following table illustrates the primary figures for measuring the health of the wireless industry.  Sierra Wireless to provide wireless element for Casio PDASierra Wireless Inc. and...

ROW People

telecom | 10/30/2001 5:00 am EST

Unique Broadband Systems Inc., Concord ON, has announced that Rowland Fleming has agreed to stand for election to the company’s board of directors. Fleming has a wealth of international experience spanning more than 35 years in the financial services sector. He has previously served as president and CEO of the Toronto Stock Exchange. He has also held several senior level positions in the banking industry including...

Government should move forward with innovation agenda, says ITAC chair

telecom | 10/30/2001 5:00 am EST

There has been much debate lately whether the government should scale back its innovation agenda and commitment to the roll out of broadband services. Some say it makes sense post Sept. 11, but others are equally adamant that Canada should move full steam ahead with these kinds of programs.  The following is an edited...

ROW Editorial

telecom | 10/30/2001 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 country’s wireless operators have done a good job at convincing at least some consumers that the wireless Internet is the wave of the future, according to a soon-to-be-released market research report.  Consumer survey results contained in the Decima Publishing report show that about 18 per...

NL Update

telecom | 10/29/2001 5:00 am EST

 Foreign ownership changes ‘not highest priority’: TobinIndustry minister Brian Tobin says the government is committed to reviewing foreign ownership limits in the telecom sector, but does not expect it to be a major issue. "While we want to welcome foreign direct investment everywhere we can, we should also take a measure of pride and have some appreciation for the tremendous impact and benefit to Canada of...

ROW Update

telecom | 10/22/2001 4:00 am EDT

 Bell and Telus strike major resale and roaming agreementRival wireless service providers Bell Mobility and Telus Mobility have agreed to share their networks to expand each other’s digital footprint to the more rural regions of the country. The 10-year agreement sets rates for both resale and roaming charges that make it more economical to share networks than to build out. Both companies estimate that the savings will be in the $500 million range over 10 years. Jeremy Depow, research analyst at the Yankee Group, tells Report on Wireless that the savings should be viewed with a grain of salt. Over the life of the deal, that produces savings of approximately $50 million a year. George Cope, president at Telus Mobility, says that one key aspect of the deal was access to Bell's 800 MHz network because coverage at that frequency range is more cost effective. He explains that for every 800 MHz cell site, it takes three in the 1900 MHz range to cover the same territory. The agreement is really about getting access to networks in the...

Telus taken to court over charges for unlisted numbers despite Ottawa sanction

telecom | 10/22/2001 4:00 am EDT

Telcos should not be permitted to charge subscribers for unlisted telephone numbers despite the fact the CRTC and the Privacy Commissioner of Canada have endorsed the practice, a Vancouver lawyer maintains. Mathew Englander is taking his case to the Federal Court of Canada after failing to convince the commissioner that the...

Telecoms say access to utility poles needed if costs are to be kept in check

telecom | 10/22/2001 4:00 am EDT

Both ILECs and CLECs are siding with the Canadian Cable Television Association (CCTA) as it seeks to overturn a Federal Court of Appeal decision on access to utility poles (NL, July 30/01). All parties agree that maintaining vital national telecommunications and broadcasting systems requires pole access. This past...

Manitoba Hydro to extend fibre network in preparation of becoming telecom carrier

telecom | 10/22/2001 4:00 am EDT

The race for utilities to get into the telecom market is shifting gears as Manitoba Hydro is about to unveil plans to extend its fibre network across the province. The move starts the process that could see the power company become a carrier’s carrier. The firm has no plans to enter the retail market and thus will...

CLECs tell CRTC price cap regime must change if they are to survive

telecom | 10/22/2001 4:00 am EDT

The current price cap mechanism is unfairly tilted towards incumbent telcos, and without changes the Canadian telecom industry will revert to a monopoly or duopoly, CLECs warned the CRTC during hearings on the price cap regime last week. The hearings continued with all sides firing at one another. The atmosphere was both...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 10/22/2001 4:00 am EDT

360networks loses US$5 billion in six monthsTroubled fibre giant 360networks Inc. reported a loss of US$5.1 billion for the first half of 2001, compared with US$149 million a year earlier. The company is under creditor protection in North America and is in the process of starting insolvency proceedings for divisions in Asia and Europe.  Rogers expects to solve @Home problems this weekRogers Communications Inc hopes to be able to start accepting high-speed Internet customers by the end of this week. It had stopped taking new clients following the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of its provider, @Home Corp. of Redwood CA. Delay granted on Montreal area code relief dateThe CRTC has granted the major ILECs a delay in the relief date of the area code overlay in the 514 NPA. Decision 2001-648 moves the date back to Feb. 7 of next year. In addition, the Central Office Code Utilization Survey will now be filed semi-annually, rather than quarterly. The commission also approved the reorganization of independent telco Amtelecom Group Inc in Decision...

NL People

telecom | 10/22/2001 4:00 am EDT

David Colville has had his term as chair of the CRTC extended by Cabinet. He has been acting in the role since Françoise Bertrand left (NL, Feb. 12/01). He has indicated he does not want the position permanently.  Bell Canada has made a series of changes in the executive suites. Guy Marier is the new EVP customer service and productivity improvement. He assumes this role while maintaining his positions as chair of...

Changes at Telus involve re-inventing a giant, senior executive explains

telecom | 10/22/2001 4:00 am EDT

Western ILEC Telus Communications Inc. has been busy rebranding itself after several acquisitions. EVP/chief marketing officer Roy Osing recently explained to a Vancouver conference how the telco did it. An edited version of his remarks appears here.  We believe in the 80 per cent rule. Get it 80 per cent right,...

NL Editorial

telecom | 10/22/2001 4:00 am EDT

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. The government’s response to the Sept. 11 tragedy has wide-ranging implications for everyone and the telecom industry is as affected as anyone.  Many of the Anti-Terrorism Act’s provisions deal with telephony and the Internet. The proposed bill would eliminate the need to show electronic...

NL Editorial

telecom | 10/22/2001 4:00 am EDT

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. The government’s response to the Sept. 11 tragedy has wide-ranging implications for everyone and the telecom industry is as affected as anyone.  Many of the Anti-Terrorism Act’s provisions deal with telephony and the Internet. The proposed bill would eliminate the need to show electronic...

Addition of public safety in analog TV channel band could prove difficult

telecom | 10/15/2001 4:00 am EDT

The two sides sparring over how to use spectrum previously reserved for TV broadcasters have come to agreement on at least one thing – that the upper analog TV frequencies shouldn’t be used for both public safety applications and broadcasting services. Both broadcasters and the wireless industry have told Industry...

U.S. wants Canada to adopt its plan for provision of spectrum for public safety

telecom | 10/15/2001 4:00 am EDT

New and overriding security concerns in the U.S. have prompted officials there to again demand that Canada align its DTV spectrum allocations with theirs. The frequency in question has been approved for use by public safety mobile operators in the U.S clamoring for additional UHF bandwidth. Its use in Canada to provide...

Satellite users take contribution regime decision to federal Cabinet

telecom | 10/15/2001 4:00 am EDT

A loose association of satellite and broadcasting interests is hoping that the federal Cabinet will overturn the CRTC’s new contribution regime that has broadcasters indirectly subsidizing local telephone service in rural and remote regions of Canada. On Aug. 29, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, the Canadian...

ROW Short Takes

telecom | 10/15/2001 4:00 am EDT

Microcell, Aliant launch safe driving awareness programsMicrocell Telecommunications Inc. has launched its new Safe Driving Awareness Program. The interactive web-based program designed to help drivers avoid distractions on the road. The program lets users rate their personal risk of distraction, and then learn how to minimize it. The program allows customers to print their own solutions to common distractions and...

ROW People

telecom | 10/15/2001 4:00 am EDT

A previously announced executive change at SiGEM Inc. has been called off and Paul Bennett will not be taking over as president and COO of the Ottawa-based firm (RoW, Sept. 18/01). He was waiting for approval from Immigration Canada on entry into the country, but before that could be given, he decided to not accept the position. Bennett has also resigned his position on the board of directors. He was previously the director of SiGEM’s UK operation. Bennett said in a release that it was because of personal reasons that he could not take the position. The company’s current CEO, Herb Woods, will continue to perform day-to-day operations until a replacement can be found.  Nortel Networks Corp., Brampton ON, has made some senior executive changes. Frank Dunn, the company’s current CFO, will take over as president and CEO from John Roth, effective Nov. 1. Dunn, a surprise choice according to some industry observers, has been with Nortel since 1976. Replacing Dunn as primary bean counter will be Terry Hungle. Changes are afoot for the...

Public safety operators need more spectrum to implement advanced services

telecom | 10/15/2001 4:00 am EDT

Public safety mobile operators across the country are getting impatient for access to new spectrum that will enable them to implement expanded services, and new services that will enable law enforcement agencies and public safety response groups to better serve the public.  Currently, the group is lobbying the federal...

ROW Editorial

telecom | 10/15/2001 4:00 am EDT

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. The CRTC is again under fire from the wireless industry over the contribution regime, but this time the various players are concentrating on exposing the commission’s inconsistent rulings. While the broadcast and telecom regulator has long been a punching bag for wireless players, the commission may...

NL Update

telecom | 10/15/2001 4:00 am EDT

Revenu Québec awards contract to TelusTelus National Systems has been awarded a $1-million deal to supply and maintain a call centre system for Quebec’s Revenue department. The ministry has call centres in Montreal, Longueuil and Laval. More details. Bell tests Net2Phone VoIP technologyBell Canada is about to start conducting consumer tests of Net2Phone’s Voice Over Internet Protocol technologies. The company...

Clock ticking as department moves to quickly re-issue Ka-band spectrum licence

telecom | 10/15/2001 4:00 am EDT

Industry Canada is under the gun to quickly license satellite spectrum by as early as 2004 that could be used to provide broadband connectivity to rural Canadians or risk losing access to those particular airwaves. The spectrum in question was previously awarded to Star Choice Communications Inc. but has since been returned...

Stursberg backs away from new Ka-band

telecom | 10/15/2001 4:00 am EDT

Bad blood between Bird Satellite Communications Inc. and Canada’s spectrum regulator means it’s unlikely the one-time upstart will re-apply for a satellite licence it was denied this past summer.  Bird president/CEO Richard Stursberg is still miffed at Industry Canada’s decision to deny his company the Ka-band licence in the 118.7 degrees West orbital slot, and for that reason won’t dust off the application and submit it for the Ka-band spectrum at the 107.3 slot. That spectrum had previously been licensed to Star Choice Communications Inc., which has since given it back to the department (see story this issue).  Stursberg told Report on Wireless that he didn’t see the point in re-applying since he lost out the first time. "Frankly, we didn’t understand why we...

Canadian wireless industry could be forced to pay significantly more into contribution

telecom | 10/15/2001 4:00 am EDT

The Canadian wireless industry could be on the hook for a much larger portion of the national local telephone subsidy pool unless the CRTC changes the way it calculates contribution-eligible revenue stemming from the sale of handsets. Telus Communications Inc. and Tele-Mobile Co. filed a Part VII...

Security concerns may be trade-off for ownership limits being lowered

telecom | 10/10/2001 4:00 am EDT

One of the aftermaths of the attack on the United States may be the foreign ownership restrictions in Canadian telecom. At the recent Wireless Vision Congress in St. John’s NF, the buzz was that "security concerns" may lead to the federal government scaling back its rollout of broadband. That would, in turn,...

Carleton University becomes home of VoIP laboratory in collaboration with Mitel

telecom | 10/10/2001 4:00 am EDT

Canada has made a major move forward in IP research thanks to a joint project of Ottawa’s Mitel Networks Corp and Analog Devices Inc of Norwood MA. The two telecom manufacturers have joined up to provide cash and equipment to Carleton University to establish a state-of-the-art training lab. The March Networks &...

Incumbents still kings of telephony castle, CRTC study on competition maintains

telecom | 10/10/2001 4:00 am EDT

Consumers have benefited from competition in the telephone market, even as the competitors are taking a financial beating. That is the overriding message of a report on the state of the market released by the CRTC. Late last month the commission released Status of Competition in Canadian Telecommunications Markets. The...

Price cap hearings force Bell Canada to defend strong market showing

telecom | 10/10/2001 4:00 am EDT

The meltdown in the telecom market has led to calls for the junking of the price cap regime, but one of the prime beneficiaries of that mechanism warns that such pleas are shortsighted.  Bell Canada has been the main focus of the early days of the CRTC proceedings on the price cap regime last week and this week in Hull...

Telecom sector invests nearly half million dollars in partisan political system

telecom | 10/10/2001 4:00 am EDT

The Canadian telecom sector was apparently at home when the political party bagmen came calling last year. The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada released his report on contributions to all of the registered political parties in Canada made in 2000. The telcos and others in the industry were generous to the five groups in...

Satellite users appeal to Cabinet to overturn contribution decision

telecom | 10/10/2001 4:00 am EDT

A group of broadcasters is seeking to reopen the book on contribution by turning to the federal Cabinet to have broadcasters exempted from the telephone subsidy regime. While many had assumed the issue had finally been resolved, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB), the Canadian Satellite Users’ Association and...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 10/10/2001 4:00 am EDT

Look receives further extension from courtsTroubled broadband carrier Look Communications Inc has been granted an extension under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act. The firm now has until Nov. 30 to arrange new financing. 360networks seeking buyer or investorVancouver fibre builder 360networks Inc is looking for a buyer or an investor who can pump US$30 million into the firm. An offering memorandum is...

NL People

telecom | 10/10/2001 4:00 am EDT

Leo Hindery is the new chair at GT Group Telecom Inc. He has been chair/CEO of GlobalCenter Inc and president/CEO of AT&T Broadband.  Nortel Networks Corp has made a series of executive changes. CFO Frank Dunn has been promoted to president/CEO, succeeding John Roth. Roth has moved up his retirement date from next April to next month. Dunn’s place as CFO will be filled by Terry Hungle, formerly president finance for Nortel Networks Americas. Frank Plastina shifts from president of service provider and corporate networks to president of metro networks. The new president of optical long haul networks is Greg Mumford, previously president of optical Internet. Pascal Debon, who had been president Europe, The Middle East & Africa, is now president of wireless networks. He succeeds Jules Meunier, who has left the company. Gerry Rivers is the new SVP banking & investment services for CGI. The new CGI unit was formed when the BCE subsidiary bought Star Data Systems Inc this year. Barbara Cram has been reappointed to a...

Telephony competition sorely lacking in Atlantic Canada, Nfld minister tells CRTC

telecom | 10/10/2001 4:00 am EDT

The price cap hearings brought all facets of Canadian society to the CRTC to discuss proposed rate increases. Walter Noel, Newfoundland’s consumer affairs minister, spoke out against Aliant’s application. An edited version of his remarks appears here.   We reject proposals for further increases and for...

NL Editorial

telecom | 10/10/2001 4:00 am EDT

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. The current CRTC price cap hearings show quite clearly the delicate balance the commission must strike when deciding telephone rates (see story in this issue). As the proceedings began in Hull, a wave of provincial politicians paraded before the panel denouncing the ILECs’ request for a rate...

ROW Update

telecom | 10/09/2001 4:00 am EDT

Industry Canada under gun to license Ka-bandIt appears Industry Canada is running out of time to license particular satellite spectrum as it has launched a process to "expeditiously" license bandwidth in question. The department has initiated a call for applications to license the Ka-band spectrum in the 107.3 West orbital slot, spectrum that was recently returned to Industry Canada by Star Choice Communications...

ROW Editorial

telecom | 10/02/2001 4:00 am EDT

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. Some of the most important players in the international wireless industry gathered in St. John’s NF last week for a conference on the applications of wireless technologies in everyday life. Approximately 400 people attended the Wireless Vision Congress, a mere two weeks after the terrorist attacks in...

Gov’t considers scaling back broadband spending in wake of U.S. terrorist attacks

telecom | 10/02/2001 4:00 am EDT

Government officials, key industry players and members of the National Broadband Task Force are hinting that Ottawa’s financial commitment to bring high-speed Internet access to every Canadian community by 2004 will be significantly less than previously thought. Some have suggested that the government could commit as little as $200 million, far below the previously anticipated level of $1.5 billion. The total public/private sector bill for the rollout of broadband technologies to every Canadian community could reach $4.75 billion (RoW, July 9/01).  Many attending the Wireless Vision Congress in St. John’s NF last week predicted that the economic fallout from the Sept. 11 attacks on...

Changes to Radiocomm Act on the horizon, implications for cell phone jammer use

telecom | 10/02/2001 4:00 am EDT

Industry Canada will soon announce proposed changes to a small section of the Radiocommunication Act that will affect the use of cell phone jammers in this country, Report on Wireless has learned. The recommended changes have only just been proposed and it is still unclear where the modifications will take place and what...

Software-defined radio gets major boost on technical and regulatory fronts

telecom | 10/02/2001 4:00 am EDT

A Burnaby BC company is launching a new software-defined radio (SDR) platform that could make it easier for multiple countries to coordinate their military operations. Spectrum Signal Processing Inc’s new flexComm radio is being developed in partnership with the Canadian government. Last month, the company received a...

Affordable in-building cell phone coverage gets a boost from SpotWave

telecom | 10/02/2001 4:00 am EDT

An Ottawa startup is touting technical and cost advantages over the competition as it enters the burgeoning market for in-building wireless communications. Executives at SpotWave Wireless Inc say the debut of their first product last week marks a new generation of products designed to eliminate coverage gaps in office...

Growth in the Newfoundland wireless industry comes from practical applications

telecom | 10/02/2001 4:00 am EDT

Year-over-year growth in the information and communications technologies (ICT) sector is generating jobs, revenue and a renewed sense of hope for Canada’s eastern most province. Last week, the government of Newfoundland and Labrador took advantage of an international conference on wireless technology to showcase some of...

Microcell Connexions furthers mobile data market through Project Rainbow

telecom | 10/02/2001 4:00 am EDT

Microcell Connexions has taken its first step in providing mobile data services to the enterprise market through an agreement with location provider PowerLoc Technologies. Under the deal, the subsidiary of Paradigm Advanced Technologies Inc will lease capacity from the Microcell Telecommunications Inc subsidiary to offer...

ROW Short Takes

telecom | 10/02/2001 4:00 am EDT

Ericsson disputes Nortel’s numbersSwedish wireless titan Ericsson is arguing with Nortel Networks Corp over who got the greater portion of a deal with VoiceStream Wireless. Ericsson maintains it won a $300-million contract to upgrade VoiceStream systems. Nortel asserts that it got the $300 million and that the Scandinavian company only received $150 million. eDispatch gets approval to merge with AirIQShareholders...

ROW People

telecom | 10/02/2001 4:00 am EDT

Michel Beland has been appointed CFO of Toronto-based Microforum Inc. Beland is an experienced chartered accountant with more than 20 years of management and financial experience. He joins from a San Diego-based technology company where he served as executive VP, COO and CFO. He has previously worked as a senior VP and CFO with Rogers AT&T Wireless (ROW, Dec. 20/99), and executive VP/CFO and treasurer with Softkey...

Major challenges remain to ensure roll out of broadband wireless, Barnes

telecom | 10/02/2001 4:00 am EDT

Wireless technologies have a key role to play in connecting every Canadian citizen to the Internet, and enabling them to partake in the information economy. Broadband access will also allow them to benefit from the advanced services that will soon be offered on wireless high-speed networks.  Last week, several hundred...

NL Update

telecom | 10/01/2001 4:00 am EDT

Rollout of broadband to be scaled backThe Canadian government will not be implementing all of the recommendations of the National Broadband Task Force, Network Letter has learned. Industry Minister Brian Tobin has reportedly stated “security concerns” are forcing the feds to scale back their plans.  CRTC issues first annual report on telecom sectorOn Sept. 28, the CRTC released its inaugural report on the status of competition in the Canadian telecommunications industry. The report, which contains information, facts, and data on the telecom sector, is the first of five annual reports requested by the federal government. Last year, the commission launched a similar annual report on the broadcasting side. More details: CRTC news release Status of Competition in Canadian Telecommunications Markets  Telus gets out of leasing businessTelus Corp has decided to turn its leasing business over to GE Capital. The western ILEC will receive $147 million in the deal. More details. CRTC roundup: Manitoba Telecom denied rate increasesThe...

Free ISPs struggle to survive as public deserts advertising-based model

telecom | 09/24/2001 4:00 am EDT

The rapid deployment of high-speed Internet could sound the death knell for many small ISPs who were hoping their free service would attract eyeballs and advertisers. Several providers are now being forced to charge for their service and the outlook for those that remain isn't good.  "Most people would now...

American regulator moving ahead with reform following consultations with public

telecom | 09/24/2001 4:00 am EDT

The Federal Communications Commission, much like the CRTC, has been going through self-examination to decide how to better serve its constituents. Mary Beth Richards, special counsel to FCC chair Michael Powell, delivered this status report earlier this month. Here is an abridged version of her remarks, which began by...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 09/24/2001 4:00 am EDT

Call-Net settles lawsuit with ex-CEO, abandons ASP Call-Net Enterprises Inc has reached an out-of-court settlement with its former CEO, Juri Koor, who sued the company following his dismissal two years ago (NL, Nov. 1/99). No terms of the agreement were released. The Sprint Canada parent has also announced that it is shutting down it ascenda Inc subsidiary. The company said it would no longer take part in the ASP...

NL People

telecom | 09/24/2001 4:00 am EDT

Leonard Gross has been named VP operations at Hydro One Telecom Inc. He worked at Olameter, fONOROLA and Unitel before joining the Ontario utility.  Nortel Networks Corp is losing another senior executive. Lloyd Carney stepped down as president of the Intelligent Internet division this month. About half a dozen top managers have left the company since the spring of this year.  Ross Marsden is the new SVP/GM for...

NL Editorial

telecom | 09/24/2001 4:00 am EDT

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports.  The calamity at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon was an appalling display of carnage. Yet it was also a telling test of the resilience of the North American communications system. And while the system may have faltered, it did not fail.  As our story in this issue relates, wireline telephone networks were strained. But they were able to handle the added traffic, with the cooperation of the clientele. Wireless service continued unabated, with those trapped in the rubble phoning loved ones. Advances in cellular technology permitted passengers and crew on the ill-fated airplanes to make their final goodbyes on wireless phones.  The Internet, originally intended as a way of communicating should the U. S. be under attack, proved to be the hardiest of all. Emails were sent to and from New York and Washington with little disruption.  The traffic to news web sites multiplied significantly. At first,...

ROW Update

telecom | 09/24/2001 4:00 am EDT

U.S. military likely to dig in its heels on 3G spectrum debate Congressional sources are saying that a previously proposed plan to move the U.S. military out of the 1700 MHz band to make way for the allocation of 3G spectrum in that band won't likely carry much weight following the terrorist attacks on American soil September 11. The source told a U.S.-based trade publication that "the chances before (the...

CLEC meltdown prompts CRTC to ensure customers don’t lose phone service

telecom | 09/24/2001 4:00 am EDT

The collapse of more CLECs has prompted the CRTC to re-examine the requirements it places on telcos to ensure continuity of service. Some changes may be made at the administrative level, while others may require approval from the commissioners themselves.  The issue was triggered by the failure of Norigen...

World Trade Center attack overwhelms telco networks in Eastern Canada

telecom | 09/24/2001 4:00 am EDT

The destruction from the terrorist attack in the United States caused telecom networks in this country to overload, forcing some carriers to impose restrictions on access and to advise customers to limit calls south of the border.  Most affected was Aliant Telecom Inc, which experienced a dramatic increase in network...

Telcos deny latest rate increase proposal is cash grab; hearing begins next week

telecom | 09/24/2001 4:00 am EDT

The CRTC will begin hearings next week in Hull QC into applications by several major ILECs for rate increases - a move described by a consumer watchdog group as serving the interests of shareholders, not consumers. The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) is also calling on the commission to review its price cap formula,...

Telcos deny latest rate increase proposal is cash grab; hearing begins next week

telecom | 09/24/2001 4:00 am EDT

The CRTC will begin hearings next week in Hull QC into applications by several major ILECs for rate increases - a move described by a consumer watchdog group as serving the interests of shareholders, not consumers. The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) is also calling on the commission to review its price cap formula,...

Fibre in the loop will be ultimate technology, new Bell-backed study predicts

telecom | 09/24/2001 4:00 am EDT

The huge growth in demand for broadband will force all telcos to shift from current DSL technologies to fibre-in-the-loop (FITL), a new report concludes. Produced by Technology Futures Inc (TFI) of Austin TX, the study is expected to help its Canadian backer better plan for the eventual phase-out of copper.  "We...

Receiver hopes to close Norigen deal quickly; CRTC reviews customer migration

telecom | 09/18/2001 4:00 am EDT

The interim receiver for Norigen Communications Inc expects later this week to have the beginnings of a deal to sell off assets. Greg Prince, VP financial advisory services at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), told Report on Wireless that several offers from diverse groups have been received for the assets of the bankrupt...

SiGEM divides into three business units to better serve existing customers

telecom | 09/18/2001 4:00 am EDT

SiGEM Inc is reorganizing into three separate business segments and cutting staff to bring the company back into the black by its fourth quarter. The satellite positioning technology provider is also pulling out of the application service provider (ASP) business to avoid competing with its clients.  Planning for the...

Synchropoint gets cash infusion, prepares for P2P-like application introduction

telecom | 09/18/2001 4:00 am EDT

SynchroPoint Wireless Inc is wrapping up development of two new software applications that will take peer-to-peer communications to the next level using Bluetooth and wireless LAN connections. The Vancouver-based firm will soon release products that allow mobile workers to collaborate on projects on a variety of handheld devices in the same place and time without the need for central servers.  It’s testing a data synchronization product with PricewaterhouseCoopers that allows employees to exchange Lotus Notes information over short-range wireless connections much in the same manner as if they were in the office working on their computer desktop.  Company co-founder, president and...