Kedar confirms partnership with Sprint in 2 GHz PCS spectrum auction

telecom | 04/17/2001 4:00 am EDT

Telecommunications industry veteran Mike Kedar was the Canadian partner U.S.-based Sprint PCS’ efforts to land valuable airwaves during the PCS spectrum auction held earlier this year, Report on Wireless has learned. Kedar, chair of Mobilexchange, says the two companies planned to build a national voice-over-IP wireless...

Wysdom’s new messaging gateway makes inter-carrier communications easier

telecom | 04/17/2001 4:00 am EDT

A Toronto-based wireless infrastruc provider has launched a new gateway product that promises to eliminate one of the major impediments to the text messaging market in North America. Unveiled April 4, Wysdom Inc’s expanded version of its InterCarrier Mobyle Gateway (ICMG) makes it possible for mobile users, for the first...

COM DEV secures financing for R&D, despite troubled market conditions

telecom | 04/17/2001 4:00 am EDT

COM DEV International Ltd has managed to land $32 million in financing for ongoing R&D at a time when most investors are putting their money in anything but telecommunications. The funding came from a syndicate of investment dealers led by TD Securities. The offer is scheduled to close on or about April 30, 2001....

Q1 preliminary numbers show subscriber growth continuing

telecom | 04/17/2001 4:00 am EDT

First quarter figures released by three of the country’s wireless carriers – Rogers Wireless Inc, Microcell Telecommunications and Telus Mobility – show that subscriber growth is continuing, but churn remains an issue for some. Telus faired the best of the three with net additions topping the 100,000-mark, while...

ROW Editorial

telecom | 04/17/2001 4:00 am EDT

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. It looks like the wireless industry will need to rely on new technologies, rather than government, to reduce the $150 million each year it pays in licence fees.  The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association and its members have been lobbying for years for a reduction in fees for RF licences. The financial situation today is all the more critical given the tech meltdown, and last year’s CRTC decision to hike the wireless industry’s annual contributions to the local phone subsidy fund from $15 million to about $200 million. Having failed to convince the CRTC to phase in its increase, the industry will now look at how it can influence Industry Canada’s upcoming proceeding on licence fees. The department seems intent on treating public spectrum more like a commodity by charging market rents in large cities, and allowing licensees to sell off excess bandwidth in regions where it has too much. In...

HR shortage continues to threaten Canada’s founding innovation industries

telecom | 04/17/2001 4:00 am EDT

EMPOWR has yet to score the $500 million it says it needed over the next five years to keep Canada at the forefront of engineering excellence. The funding would be invested in university professors, students, laboratory infrastructure and R&D initiatives connected with micro-electronics, photonics, opto-electronics,...

ROW People

telecom | 04/17/2001 4:00 am EDT

Kevin Heaney has been appointed COO at eDispatch.com Wireless Data Inc of Vancouver. Heaney is a former Telus Corp executive where most recently he served as VP/GM for Telus Communications Systems. There, he was responsible for restructuring Telus into a new product-focused organization. Prior to that, Heaney also served as VP corporate sales for BC Tel Mobility. Prior to working in the telecommunications field, he held...

ROW Short Takes

telecom | 04/17/2001 4:00 am EDT

Maxlink purchase to close soon, insiders sayApparently a prospective buyer has stepped up to the plate and made a bid for the embattled 28 GHz licence holder, Maxlink Communications Inc. The receiver Ernst & Young has been reluctant to provide any information to Report on Wireless. Industry Canada is keeping a close eye on the deal, as the licence that Maxlink currently holds comes up for renewal in a year. Wi-LAN...

NL People

telecom | 04/09/2001 4:00 am EDT

Kevin Heaney has left his position as VP/GM of Telus Communication Systems to become COO of eDispatch.com Wireless Data Inc. He has prior experience at BC Tel Mobility and Loomis Courier Service.  Stratos Global Corp has appointed Richard Halka as EVP/CFO. He was previously VP, acting CFO and European finance director for Euronet Worldwide and treasurer/controller at Hungarian Telephone and Cable Corp. On June 1...

Landlords worry telecom regulation is coming to a building near them

telecom | 04/09/2001 4:00 am EDT

The CRTC is wrapping up one of the more contentious, and least noticed, telecom proceedings of the last year. The title of PN 2000-124 would mean little to those outside telecom circles: access to multi-dwelling units (MDUs), in-building wiring and riser space. In other words, should the CRTC subject landlords to telecom...

NL Editorial

telecom | 04/09/2001 4:00 am EDT

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. It’s very rare that the voice of the consumer gets heard in the cacophony of the modern world. There are a number of reasons for that, not the least being the general ovine nature of the Canadian public.  That’s why it is so refreshing to see the advent of the Residential Broadband Users’...

Innovation agenda expected to drive demand for next generation network

telecom | 04/09/2001 4:00 am EDT

The president of CANARIE Inc says he’s still optimistic the federal government will ante up between $50-$150 million this year for a new national optical research network, despite being passed over in the recent feeding frenzy for year-end money. Although there is no formal process to secure any funds remaining in...

C1 files for court protection; calls off Wispra merger

telecom | 04/09/2001 4:00 am EDT

The CLEC market suffered a major setback last week with news that C1 Communications Inc had filed an application with the Ontario Superior Court for protection from creditors. C1 is one of several telecom companies to run into financial troubles (see Cannect brief). In a statement released April 5, the company said the...

Teleglobe seeks quick decision on forbearance of tariffed services

telecom | 04/09/2001 4:00 am EDT

Saying the Canadian international market is finally competitive, Teleglobe Ltd is asking the CRTC to forbear its remaining tariffed services. It is so sure it is correct, the telecom firm is asking the regulator to handle the case in a few weeks, rather than months. In its April 4 submission, the BCE Inc-owned carrier maintains it "does not exercise market power in respect of the remaining tariffed services." It is asking the CRTC to forbear "completely and unconditionally" from its powers under the Telecommunications Act. Teleglobe is also seeking forbearance on all current and future retail services and requests the discontinuance of all ancillary forms of...

Broadband Internet users unite to take on Rogers, Shaw and other providers

telecom | 04/09/2001 4:00 am EDT

Dissatisfaction with the quality of service offered by cable modems has prompted high-speed Internet users in Canada to form their own lobby group. The newly formed Residential Broadband Users’ Association (RBUA) (www.rbua.org) started out in January 1999 as the Rogers @Home Users Association (RHUA), and after one...

SaskTel scores $71M contract with province to bring broadband to 366 communities

telecom | 04/09/2001 4:00 am EDT

The Saskatchewan government has finalized a $71-million infrastructure and service contract with SaskTel to extend broadband Internet to all communities in the province by 2004. But unlike Alberta’s ambitious $356-million Supernet network (NL, Nov. 6/00), Saskatchewan has opted for a single carrier model in which the...

CRTC on track to receive federal spending top-up for another two years

telecom | 04/09/2001 4:00 am EDT

The CRTC has two years left to deal with a raft of regulatory issues before its budget drops back to about 1997 levels. Part III estimates released late last month for all federal departments show the commission’s budget to remain stable at $8.4 million for this current fiscal, dropping slightly to $7.3 million next year,...

Half of voice revenue could disappear from ILEC coffers, U.S. survey says

telecom | 04/09/2001 4:00 am EDT

An American report says half of exist-ing ILEC revenue-generating voice traffic could be lost within four or five years, as wireless and electronic communications gain popularity. Bell Canada helped sponsor the study because it believes many of the findings are universal. Texas-based Technology Futures Inc (TFI)...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 04/09/2001 4:00 am EDT

Cannect Communications officially out of businessCannect Communications Inc, which applied for interim receivership in February (NL, Feb. 12/01), is now defunct. Alex Morrison of Ernst & Young tells Network Letter he is in the process of liquidating the assets of the CLEC. CLEC EastLink begins service in CharlottetownEastLink Telephone has begun to offer telephony services in Charlottetown PEI. Having provided Internet services since last fall, the firm is now providing local and LD service to selected residential and business customers. It hopes to expand its operations to more sections of the city in the next few months.BCE invests $70 million in convergence fundingAlways looking to promote its various holdings, BCE Inc has created a fund that will promote convergence products and services. The $7- million fund will help BCE meet its commitment to bring a minimum of 10 convergence services to fruition this year, with more in the future.MTS and consumer groups both unhappy with increaseThe CRTC granted Manitoba Telecom Services Inc a...

Immigration laws, talent pool entice San Jose company to set up R&D shop in Toronto

telecom | 04/03/2001 4:00 am EDT

Smart antenna maker ArrayComm Inc has chosen Toronto as the site for its second North American R&D centre, saying the skilled workers it needs aren’t available in Silicon Valley. The nine-year-old company headed by CEO Martin Cooper, inventor of the modern cellular phone, held its grand...

Wireless companies among industries targeted to adhere to new disclosure rules

telecom | 04/03/2001 4:00 am EDT

Cellular and other wireless companies will be subject to new CRTC reporting requirements starting this year. Responding to a federal directive to beef up its reporting on the state of competition and broadband deployment in Canada, the commission may require all telecom companies to complete a new three-part disclosure...

Ventrada poised for first revenue and additional financing by mid year

telecom | 04/03/2001 4:00 am EDT

The prospect of earning its first revenue this year coupled with the addition of one of Ottawa’s most noted entrepreneurs has given Ventrada Systems Inc a good shot at landing another round of financing by June.  Currently CEO at BitFlash, Antoine Paquin joins the emerging wireless company’s advisory board along...

CRTC denies Bell review and vary application, telco considers options

telecom | 04/03/2001 4:00 am EDT

Wireless carriers haven’t been left with too much choice in complying with the new contribution regime that came into effect on Jan. 1, despite claims by Bell Canada and Bell Mobility that they may take their appeal to a higher level. In Order 2001-219, the commission denied an application by the BCE Inc subsidiaries,...

ROW People

telecom | 04/03/2001 4:00 am EDT

Family, friends and colleagues held a farewell bash in Ottawa last week for Roger Poirier, the past president/CEO of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association. Poirier was appointed to the Radiocomm Association of Canada in 1993, a small one-person operation that he helped grow into the CWTA. Previously, he was senior VP with the Canadian Cable Television Association. During this early career (1972-1982),...

ROW Editorial

telecom | 04/03/2001 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 Canadian fixed wireless industry must, yet again, be breathing a sigh of relief following the Federal Communications Commission’s release of the final technical assessment of the 2500 MHz band – one of the bands identified for 3G. At first glance it does appear that the FCC is leaning in the...

ROW Short Takes

telecom | 04/03/2001 4:00 am EDT

FCC, NTIA and DOD release technical assessments The Federal Communications Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Department of Defense have released their technical assessments of spectrum to be used for third generation wireless networks. In its report, the FCC has indicated that it will be extremely difficult to move current MDS and IFTS users from the 2500 MHz band. The NTIA...

The debate over Morse code requirements

telecom | 04/03/2001 4:00 am EDT

Canada is looking at dropping how much Morse code amateur radio operators need to know to get an operating licence – Gazette Notice No.DGRB-007-00. Several other countries have already dropped the present requirement of 12 wpm CW (continuous wave) to 5 wpm.The issue has prompted more than 100 people to write in to register their support or opposition...

National Decima poll reveals Canadians split over the issue of cell phone jammers

telecom | 04/03/2001 4:00 am EDT

Canadians are divided over whether the federal government should legalize cell phone jammers, according to a new nation-wide poll conducted by Decima Research Inc for Report on Wireless. The random sampling of 2017 Canadians, conducted between March 16 and 25, found that nearly 50 per cent of respondents oppose authorizing the devices, while 43.3 per cent say they should be allowed for specific purposes. People that didn’t know either way measured in at 7.3 per cent. The survey is considered accurate within +/- 2.2 per cent, 19 times out of 20.  "There’s no question Canadians are divided over the issue," says Keith Neuman, senior VP at Decima Research in Ottawa. "I...

Wi-LAN expands international presence, secures non-line-of-sight technology

telecom | 04/03/2001 4:00 am EDT

Calgary-based Wi-LAN Inc has moved to broaden its product portfolio and international reach through its proposed acquisition of UC Wireless, a California-based fixed wireless equipment maker. The acquisition would also give Wi-LAN access to some innovative technology that solves the longstanding line-of-sight problem...

CRTC and Industry Canada meet to discuss Toronto radio congestion

telecom | 04/03/2001 4:00 am EDT

Officials from Industry Canada and the CRTC will meet in early April to discuss ways to make more frequencies available for AM and FM radio in the congested Toronto market. Industry Canada’s Spectrum Information Technologies and Telecommunications branch has spent the last month reviewing a report presented to the Cabinet...

Atlantic deal between Group Telecom and C1 Communications on verge of collapse

telecom | 03/26/2001 5:00 am EST

A battle between CLECs could be heading to the courts as GT Group Telecom Inc accuses C1 Communications Inc of reneging on a deal to sell its holdings in Atlantic Canada. The deadline for the transaction has yet to arrive, so a slight possibility exists that legal action can be avoided. "We’re hoping that it...

Bell considers further appeal and raising phone rates, after failing to sway CRTC

telecom | 03/26/2001 5:00 am EST

Bell Canada says it will decide soon whether to take its case for contribution relief to a higher authority, or accept the CRTC’s denial of its plea to amend the new subsidy regime which came into effect Jan. 1. On March 15, the commission released Order 2001-219 which rejected the telco’s Part VII application asking...

New report suggests all telecoms be required to provide more data to CRTC

telecom | 03/26/2001 5:00 am EST

The regulated, the forborne and even the deregulated could be subject to stringent new reporting requirements that will help the federal government determine if Canada’s telecom market is viable and technologically advanced. A background report prepared for the CRTC as part of a mandated review of the state of Canadian telecommunications suggests that any company that falls under the general purview of the Telecommunications Act be required to complete a three-part form, with the first part due by the summer.  The commission is expected to cast a wide net in deciding which industries will be required to fill out the disclosure forms and/or participate in other means of data...

Price cap rules favour ILECs at expense of viable telecom competition, critics charge

telecom | 03/26/2001 5:00 am EST

Major competitors to the incumbent telcos say the current pricing regime for telecommunications in Canada isn’t working, and they’re calling for changes in how the CRTC sets the rules. Critics argue that the price cap rules, which replaced rate of return regulation in 1997, favour the incumbents...

Broadband task force finalizing draft in preparation for May 31 deadline

telecom | 03/26/2001 5:00 am EST

The National Broadband Task Force will spend its next two meetings finalizing its recommendations to government on how to rollout high-speed Internet across Canada before presenting its final report at the end of May. The group tentatively approved 30 draft recommendations at its third monthly meeting on March 8. The...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 03/26/2001 5:00 am EST

RSL Com seeks relief from contribution paymentsRSL Com Canada is asking the CRTC to stop collecting contribution payments from it. The BC-based CLEC tells Network Letter it paid its 4.5% of eligible revenues by March 15 and does not want to have a credit in the central fund.Telus still interested in Vidéotron, Entwistle claimsTelus Corp president/CEO Darren Entwistle says the western ILEC is still interested in buying...

NL People

telecom | 03/26/2001 5:00 am EST

Kym Wittal has been named CTO of SaskTel. He is an 18-year veteran of the provincial telco, having worked most recently as GM technology performance and operations.  Vancouver’s dba Telecom has appointed Rob Campbell VP sales and marketing, replacing Mike Zwarick who has left dba. Campbell was previously with Dial Digital Inc, which was recently purchased by his new employer. Rick Roth has been named VP...

IP telephony promises to deliver more than just plain old telephone service

telecom | 03/26/2001 5:00 am EST

The International Telecommunication Union wrapped up a policy forum in Geneva this month that examined two contentious issues surrounding IP telephony: is the technology cheaper in the long run than circuit-switched networks, and, how and when should regulatory treatment apply to IP telephony? The ITU’s secretary...

NL Editorial

telecom | 03/26/2001 5:00 am EST

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. Competition, we have been led to believe, is a good thing. Monopolies lead to inertia, apathy towards customers and general disregard for anyone not drawing a salary from the corporate giant.  Thus we should be delighted that the exclusivity in the satellite market is being challenged. Richard...

ROW Short Takes

telecom | 03/19/2001 5:00 am EST

Kyberpass announces wireless security strategyKyberpass Corp, Ottawa, has unveiled plans for its wireless security strategy for the e-business market. The company has introduced a prototype wireless security suite, dubbed the Kyberpass K2 for the Palm OS that will enable Palm OS applications to operate securely over the standard TCP/IP networks using public key infrastructure. Bridgewater Systems makes splash into...

ROW People

telecom | 03/19/2001 5:00 am EST

Chrysalis-ITS has strengthened its management team with two new hires. David Longbottom has joined the security company as VP operations, trusted systems and Karen Genge is the new VP finance. Longbottom brings more than 15 years of technology management experience. Most recently, he spent five years at ObjecTime Ltd (now Rational Software) where he rose to the position of senior VP operations. In that capacity, he was...

Wireless industry set for “silent revolution”

telecom | 03/19/2001 5:00 am EST

The wireless infrastructure is in place and penetration levels have hit the point where consumers are now comfortable using wireless devices. What’s next? Dennis Strigl, president and CEO of Verizon Wireless (the new company formed following the merger of Bell Atlantic and GTE), shared his view of the not-so-distant future at the COMNET Expo conference in Washington last month. An edited excerpt of his presentation appears below. To read his full presentation, click here.  It is not a stretch to say that the wireless phone is on a fast track to becoming the centerpiece of communication, information and services — anytime, anywhere.  This is being driven by great growth and wireless data. Wireless data has four things going for it that it didn’t have two years –...

ROW Editorial

telecom | 03/19/2001 5:00 am EST

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. Asking Canadians what they think of cell phones jammers will likely create more confusion than clarify what concerned Canadians really think.  On one side you have the carriers, public safety organizations and cell phone users saying mobile wireless is supposed to be reachable anywhere, anytime....

Former Cancom executives team up to challenge Telesat Canada’s monopoly

telecom | 03/19/2001 5:00 am EST

A new company headed by Richard Stursberg wants to be the first to deliver high-speed Internet to homes and businesses in rural Canada, but first it needs the government to follow through on its commitment to end Telesat Canada’s monopoly in the fixed satellite services (FSS) market (ROW, Dec. 21/98). That monopoly...

Former Cancom executives team up to challenge Telesat Canada’s monopoly

telecom | 03/19/2001 5:00 am EST

A new company headed by Richard Stursberg wants to be the first to deliver high-speed Internet to homes and businesses in rural Canada, but first it needs the government to follow through on its commitment to end Telesat Canada’s monopoly in the fixed satellite services (FSS) market (ROW, Dec. 21/98). That monopoly...

Microcell to implement E911 in Alberta and BC; wants CRTC to mandate national roll out

telecom | 03/19/2001 5:00 am EST

Microcell Telecommunications Inc wants the CRTC to clear the way for a national roll out of wireless enhanced 911 (E911) services by mandating telcos to upgrade their networks. In a Part VII application filed March 13, Microcell says until all incumbents have filed tariffs that account for these new...

Cell-Loc says national rollout still in the cards, despite cutbacks and

telecom | 03/19/2001 5:00 am EST

Cell-Loc Inc of Calgary has scaled back plans to build out a national wireless location network following the collapse of the stock market, but maintains a national strategy is still in the works. The depressed stock market and its deflated share price eliminated any hope of getting additional financing to continue its network expansion. The wireless location firm slashed its workforce by about 30 per cent, consolidated office space and decreased capital expenditures, all in an effort to reduce out of pocket costs.  Despite the dire situation, company executives haven’t abandoned the idea of building a national network. "Nothing, with the possible exception of timing, has...

Bluetooth spec released, Canadian companies poised to move forward

telecom | 03/19/2001 5:00 am EST

Bluetooth-enabled products could arrive on the Canadian market by year-end, now that a final decision has been reached on standards. This month the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), a global standards organization representing more than 2000 companies, released the specifications for Version 1.1 of the short-range...

WaveRider gains entry into lucrative U.S. market with FCC approval of LMS 3000

telecom | 03/19/2001 5:00 am EST

WaveRider Communications Inc has received Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval to market its non-line-of-sight technology – considered the "holy grail" of fixed wireless systems. Earlier this month, the U.S. regulator approved the Toronto-based wireless equipment manufacturer’s LMS 3000 wireless...

Wireless lobby prefers public awareness campaign over cell phone jammers

telecom | 03/19/2001 5:00 am EST

The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) says better public education and not cell phone jammers is what’s needed to deal with people who use cell phones in restaurants, theatres and other public places. The CWTA has until July 12 to present Industry Canada with its views on cell phone jammers,...

Complaints over telemarketing need better enforcement, not regulations, says CMA

telecom | 03/12/2001 5:00 am EST

The Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) says both the CRTC and its industry should find better ways to enforce telemarketing rules, rather than create new ones. The lobby group doesn’t object to a March 5 decision by the commission to ensure telemarketing rules are applied uniformly across all of Canada, and to all...

CRTC weighs in over what role, if any, it should take to regulate building owners

telecom | 03/12/2001 5:00 am EST

Telcos, so long the opponents of government regulation, are supporting the idea of the CRTC having at least some jurisdiction over multi-dwelling units (MDUs) when it comes to telecom access. As expected, the owners of the MDUs prefer a free market approach. Those diametrically opposed opinions are being argued in a...

Vidéotron appeals CRTC Internet decision

telecom | 03/12/2001 5:00 am EST

Vidéotron ltée wants the CRTC to reverse an earlier ruling that requires it to wait 90 days before attempting to lure back high-speed Internet customers who switch to a competitor.  Filed March 5, the review and vary application takes issue with Order 2000-789 which categorizes Vidéotron as a dominant player in the high-speed market. As such,...

CNIB desire for N11 mandate is short-sighted, critics allege

telecom | 03/12/2001 5:00 am EST

An Ottawa businesswoman says if the CRTC wants to ensure blind Canadians have access to competitive services, it should turn down a request by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind for its own N11 code. Sharlyn Ayotte, president/CEO of Ottawa’s T-Base Communications Inc, says the CNIB should stick to its...

Dial-up and high-speed Internet entering mainstream for Canadians : Decima poll

telecom | 03/12/2001 5:00 am EST

More Canadians now have access to the Internet at home than work, according to preliminary results of a nation-wide survey done for Decima Publishing Inc by its affiliate Decima Research Inc. The January poll of 2007 Canadians found all but 580 have access to a PC at either work or home. Of those with a computer, 82.4 per...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 03/12/2001 5:00 am EST

Montreal gets new area code, Toronto still has 416 numbersThe Montreal region is receiving a new area code that will be overlaid on the current 514 NPA. The 438 code will come into effect on June 7, 2003. Down the road in Toronto, Bell Canada reports it will not have to start issuing phone numbers for the new 647 area code for another month or two. Telus to seek expansion of Vancouver local calling areaTelus Corp has submitted an application to the CRTC that would expand the Vancouver local calling area to include Abbotsford and Mission. The telco expects the change will be revenue-neutral, as the elimination of LD charges will be offset by hikes in local rates.Bell expands scope of 900 and 976 telephone serviceThe CRTC granted Bell Canada approval to broaden its 900 service in Order 2001-207 and 976 service in Order 2001-208. The Canadian Alliance of Publicly-Owned Telecommunications Systems received its final CATs in Order 2001-209 while the sunset clause for local competition was extended in Order 2001-184. Hurontario Telephones Ltd...

NL People

telecom | 03/12/2001 5:00 am EST

Teleglobe has made two senior appointments. Robert Callahan has been named CIO of the carrier. He held the same position at 2nd Century Communications and worked as VP telecom strategy for the Sema Group. Michael Burke is the new senior VP U.S. sales. He is a veteran of Equant, Network Systems Inc, Sprint and Nortel Networks.  Larry Baldachin has been named e-executive in residence at the Rotman School of Management...

Providing last mile first priority for carrier

telecom | 03/12/2001 5:00 am EST

Stream Intelligent Networks Corp is a Toronto-based firm providing high-speed data services to carriers, service providers and large bandwidth users. Its STAR—Sewer Telecommunication Access by Robot—technology permits the laying of fibre without digging up city streets. Recently president/CEO Steve Spooner sat down with Network Letter editor Paul...

NL Editorial

telecom | 03/12/2001 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 results of an informal Decima Publishing poll about the CRTC produced some interesting results. To project wildly, most of those who responded want to see a smaller commission run by someone from Atlantic Canada.  Our online survey ran from Feb. 12-27, with readers of all four Decima...

Satellite operators warn broadcasters will foot bill for contribution payments

telecom | 03/12/2001 5:00 am EST

Telesat Canada wants the CRTC to exempt both itself and a subsidiary from new contribution rules that could cost the satellite carrier $8.3 million this year – a telecommunications fee it warns would ultimately be paid for by broadcast licensees. The BCE Inc-owned company, and its TMI Communications affiliate, are among...

Paradigm hires major U.S law firm to enforce rights over wireless location patent

telecom | 03/05/2001 5:00 am EST

Paradigm Advanced Technologies Inc has hired one of the top lawyers in the United States to crack down on companies that use its wireless location technology without a licence. David Boies, who came to litigation fame defending Napster Inc, arguing the U.S. government’s anti-trust suit against Microsoft Corp, and fighting for a Florida re-count in the recent American election, has been retained by Paradigm to persuade any company currently using its patented technology to start paying for it. Eduardo Guendelman, president and CEO at Paradigm says six major firms were interviewed and the company ultimately settled on Boies, Schiller and Flexner LLP because of its end-to-end legal team...

Satellite players enter the contribution fray with review and vary application

telecom | 03/05/2001 5:00 am EST

Telesat Canada and TMI Communications have filed a review and vary (R&V) application with the CRTC asking that satellite carriers be exempt from the new telephone subsidy regime that came into effect Jan 1. While the two companies agree with the commission’s Decision 2000-745 to treat all telecom service providers...

Dozen-digit dialing could soon affect wireless subscribers in major centres

telecom | 03/05/2001 5:00 am EST

Some cell phone subscribers may end up with more digits to dial when number exhaustion reaches its limit sometime in the next decade or so. While that may seem a long time off, contingency plans are already being developed for the inevitable day when Toronto and Vancouver run out of telephone numbers.  It’s difficult...

Itemus unveils plans for delivering services to mobile workers via a virtual network

telecom | 03/05/2001 5:00 am EST

Itemus Inc, Toronto, is assembling the final pieces of a new virtual network that it will probably launch in Europe or Asia in September before rolling out in North America early next year. The mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) would be one of the first of its kind in North America, offering a variety of wireless...

Industry Canada considers new rules to ensure licence compliance

telecom | 03/05/2001 5:00 am EST

Industry Canada is looking at cutting of the red tape companies face in proving their eligibility before they can apply for additional radio spectrum. The department says it has established effective mechanisms to ensure companies have complied with most conditions of their licence, but the problem arises in applying that...

Canadians urge regulator south of the border to pick 1700 MHz band for 3G

telecom | 03/05/2001 5:00 am EST

Two Canadian wireless groups are urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to put spectrum harmonization above the demands of the U.S. military in designating a band for third generation wireless networks. The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association and the Radio Advisory Board of Canada stress to the FCC...

CRTC settles dispute over quality of service to the blind offered by Bell and Microcell

telecom | 03/05/2001 5:00 am EST

The CRTC has directed Microcell Connexions Inc and Bell Canada to provide billing information in a format that can be read by blind customers. The regulator was responding to Part VII applications filed last year by Toronto resident Chris Stark, who complained that he wasn’t given adequate service...

ROW Short Takes

telecom | 03/05/2001 5:00 am EST

Despite the growing functionality of handheld devices, the device of choice for mobile workers is still the laptop. According to IDC, 90% of workers plan to use a laptop in the next 12 months, while Internet-enabled phone use hovers around the 30% mark. Source: IDC, February 20013Com joins OFDM ForumAn industry association of OFDM developers spearheaded by Calgary-based Wi-LAN Inc last December has added 11 new members,...

ROW People

telecom | 03/05/2001 5:00 am EST

Mike van der Lee has been appointed VP and GM for British Columbia at Rogers AT&T Wireless Inc. He assumes the responsibility for all sales, marketing and customer care activities for the company in the western most province. Van der Lee joins Rogers from Telus Mobility where he was most recently director corporate sales. Prior to joining Telus in 1993, he held sales and marketing positions at Canadian Telephones and...

The FCC holds the key to 3G roaming

telecom | 03/05/2001 5:00 am EST

Canada’s ability to rollout 3G systems is being hampered by circumstances beyond our own borders. Now that Europe and Asia are on the verge of deploying 3G, the Federal Communications Commission is finally looking at opening frequencies bands below 3 GHz to support new wireless services. That’s an important first step, but unless the FCC designates 1700 MHz as its band of choice for additional 3G, Canadians can forget about using next-generation cell phones when they cross in to the U.S.  Both the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association and the Radio Advisory Board of Canada stressed the importance of a common spectrum band in response to the FCC’s call for comments on this issue. An edited excerpt from the CWTA’s Feb. 22 submission appears below: Several...

ROW Editorial

telecom | 03/05/2001 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 recent revelation at Summit4Mobility that third generation wireless networks won’t hit Europe until 2004 – two years later than expected – shouldn’t be viewed as a devastating blow to the global mobile wireless industry. While the heads of the companies that spent billions of dollars on 3G...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 02/26/2001 5:00 am EST

Nortel suffers from the gripes of Roth as lawsuits pile upThe Quebec Association for the Protection of Shareholders, along with some Ontario investors, are suing Nortel Networks Corp over comments CEO John Roth made during a webcast that apparently revealed dire forecasts before they were publicly released. Company stock tumbled shortly afterward. Meanwhile, JDS Uniphase Corp has announced it will not pursue legal action...

U.S. hopes to bridge a lesser known digital divide

telecom | 02/26/2001 5:00 am EST

Canada appears to be doing far better than its southern neighbours in ensuring that all communities – including aboriginal – receive access to basic telecommunications service. Despite being the richest and most powerful country in the world, less than half of its native households have a telephone connection.   Gloria Tristani, a...

NL People

telecom | 02/26/2001 5:00 am EST

The newly formed collaboration between Bell Canada and Amdocs has chosen its management team. Jim Hubly has been named CEO of Certen Inc, while Marinella Ermacora is COO. Hubly is currently EVP of the telephone services group at Czech Telecom and has experience at AT&T. Ermacora is VP systems delivery at CGI and has spent 18 years working for Bell.  Michael Neuman has been appointed president of Europe, Middle...

NL Editorial

telecom | 02/26/2001 5:00 am EST

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. Canadians are many things, but we’re not sore losers. That’s probably because we never lose, even if we don’t win. That seems to be the message one can take from the reaction to recent regulatory decisions.  As our lead story notes, Telus had its leave to appeal the CRTC’s contribution ruling rejected by the Federal Court of Canada. But the telco is still claiming victory, saying all will be well once the commission holds proceedings on price caps. Similarly, the CRTC found in favour of Vancouver in its rights of way dispute with Ledcor (NL, Jan 29/01). But the commission rejected so many of the city’s arguments, and granted the fibre builder so much leeway, that determining who truly won and who truly lost this case takes us into an Alice in Wonderland scenario. Telus announces to the world that it will use QuébecTel to roll out its service in Quebec, dashing the expectations of those who...

Telus denied leave to appeal contribution decision, but still sees light at end of tunnel

telecom | 02/26/2001 5:00 am EST

The Federal Court of Canada has denied Telus Corp leave to appeal the CRTC’s contribution decision, but the western telco doesn’t view the ruling as a major setback. "I’m not sure you could even consider it a loss for Telus," VP government and regulatory affairs Willie Grieve...

Quebecor could announce sale of Vidéotron Télécom by summer

telecom | 02/26/2001 5:00 am EST

Quebecor expects to announce before summer who will be buying its Vidéotron Télécom division, with at least one investment analyst predicting there could be more than one new owner.  Telus Corp appeared to be out of the running earlier this month when it announced that it would use QuébecTel, which it recently...

O.N. Telcom privatization meeting resistance from mayors in northern Ontario

telecom | 02/26/2001 5:00 am EST

Local politicians say the Ontario government is moving too quickly to privatize a provincial-owned telco, saying the communities most affected have not been consulted. Premier Mike Harris announced plans last year to sell off all operations of O.N. Telcom, the telecom arm of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission....

Telecoms can expect rough ride as industry braces for next wave of consolidation

telecom | 02/26/2001 5:00 am EST

It appears that another wave of consolidation is about to hit the telecom market, and it’s one that could put increased pressure on Industry Canada to lower or eliminate foreign ownership limits, an industry analyst predicts.  A shakeout in the industry over the past year has seen several telecoms go into...

CEP launches high-tech campaign to recruit middle managers at Bell Canada

telecom | 02/26/2001 5:00 am EST

Just as one union is attempting to organize low level managers at Bell Canada, workers at another telco are being asked to forfeit their guild membership. The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) is seeking to represent tier D and C managers at the country’s largest telco. The move came about last...

Contingency planning begins now for the possible migration to 12-digit dialing

telecom | 02/26/2001 5:00 am EST

As the CRTC struggles with finding enough phone numbers to service Canadians’ needs, it must also determine how soon those numbers will exhaust entirely. Contingency plans are already being considered for the day when even 10-digit dialing will reach a saturation point in Canada’s largest cities. The expanded dialing...

Microcell and Inukshuk Internet ready for major network builds this year

telecom | 02/19/2001 5:00 am EST

Microcell Telecommunications Inc’s plan to spend $375 million and increase capacity by about 25 per cent constitutes the single largest network expansion since the company’s initial build out. Speaking to investors on Feb. 13, president and CEO André Tremblay explained that an investment of this scale will enable the...

Content creation could become easier for carriers with i-Mode-type technology

telecom | 02/19/2001 5:00 am EST

A Canadian company is about to launch an i-Mode-type technology that promises to help wireless data providers make more money, while increasing network traffic for wireless carriers. Calgary-based Wmode has developed a variation of the technology behind Japanese i-Mode, which allows content providers to track revenue and...

CRTC sides with Star Choice in right to control disputed transponders

telecom | 02/19/2001 5:00 am EST

The CRTC has sent a sobering reminder to Telesat Canada that it won’t hesitate to use its legislative powers to ensure all broadcast licensees have equal access to satellite capacity. In a decision that surprised some, including one CRTC commissioner, the regulator forced Canada’s sole satellite carrier to give back three Anik F1 transponders to Star Choice Communications Inc, despite a contract provision that appeared to give Telesat the right to lease them to other customers (RoW, Jan. 8/01). Telesat had attempted to ‘claw back’ four transponders, and to re-sell them to CHUM Limited, Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc and BCE Inc-affiliate Netstar Communications Inc....

Sierra Wireless joins western universities to develop a cluster for broadband streaming

telecom | 02/19/2001 5:00 am EST

Sierra Wireless Inc is working with a Victoria-based lab to establish a new research cluster for wireless broadband streaming. With $8 million in seed money from the provincial and federal governments, the recently launched New Media Innovation Centre (NewMIC) is establishing four clusters to start...

Mitec beefs up manufacturing capacity through acquisition of Swedish company

telecom | 02/19/2001 5:00 am EST

Mitec Telecom Inc has acquired a Swedish wireless component manufacturer to beef up production capabilities in Europe. Company executives say the merger with BEVE Invest AB will put the combined entity in a better position to land more business on the other side of the Atlantic and address a growing global demand for...

New server technology could bring more portable office services to Atlantic Canada

telecom | 02/19/2001 5:00 am EST

A small Newfoundland company has received a cash infusion to develop a new server backbone that will create a portable office for mobile workers in the industrial, commercial and public safety markets. St. John’s-based Consilient Technologies Corp expects to have its first subscribers to its Internet data service signed...

ROW People

telecom | 02/19/2001 5:00 am EST

Microcell Telecommunications Inc has appointed Alain Rheaume president and CEO of its newly formed Microcell PCS company. The new business combines the operations of Microcell Connexions and Microcell Solutions. Rheaume was most recently executive VP and CFO of the company. The position of CFO will now be assumed by former VP finance Jacques Leduc .  Mark McMillan has been named VP marketing for Sierra Wireless. Over...

ROW Short Takes

telecom | 02/19/2001 5:00 am EST

SAMSys reader chosen for vehicle locationAVL Information Systems Ltd will use adapted radio frequency ID tag reader equipment from SAMSys Technologies Inc to replace GPS satellite technology indoors for its vehicle location system. No time frame has been disclosed for the development of the system, or value placed on the deal. Earlier, SAMSys signed another agreement, this time with SCS Corp of San Diego to license the use of SCS's protocols within SAMSys' readers. Again, no terms for the deal were disclosed.  Microcell launches new mobile Internet services Microcell Solutions Inc has launched a suite of services including news reports, weather forecasts, email and calendar reminders for its PCS customers. The package, dubbed i.Fido is automatically available to Microcell's Fido and Fidomatic customers. Consumers can manage their services through a personalized web page. Telus Mobility grows to 2.16 millon subs Telus Mobility released Q4 numbers which showed strong subscriber growth of 86,900 postpaid and 79,200...

Industry Canada committed to more collaboration with CWTA, wireless industry

telecom | 02/19/2001 5:00 am EST

Industry Canada has always had a close relationship with the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, and some of the rewards of that partnership were recognized at the CWTA's second annual Connected to the Community gala on February 12. The following is an edited excerpt from Industry minister Brian...

ROW Editorial

telecom | 02/19/2001 5:00 am EST

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports. When Microcell Telecom announced that it was folding its capacity wholesale operation into its retail PCS activities, it abandoned a long-time strategy of keeping separate companies separate – dubbed the Chinese wall. Microcell Connexions and Microcell Solutions are now being rolled into one...

BCE’s new investment arm to fund emerging wireless Internet ventures

telecom | 02/19/2001 5:00 am EST

BCE Inc has diverted $30 million from its main venture fund to create a new R&D and investment pool for wireless Internet and data companies. Unveiled Feb. 12, Bell Mobility Investments (BMI) will act as the primary investment vehicle for Bell Mobility, which will be looking to take minority equity stakes in companies...

Financial troubles force Cannect Communications into receivership

telecom | 02/12/2001 5:00 am EST

Cannect Communications Inc has become the latest casualty in the high-stakes telecom market, laying off three-quarters of its staff and handing its operations over to a bankruptcy trustee. The Oakville ON-based CLEC went into interim receivership on Feb. 6, with Ernst & Young handling the account. Alex Morrison of...

Part VII appeals being rendered quickly, but system still dissatisfies industry

telecom | 02/12/2001 5:00 am EST

The CRTC is rendering decisions faster on appeals, but some in the industry still find the process cumbersome. But changes to the system could be worse than the present case, insiders warn. Filing Part VII applications under the Telecommunications Act is the preferred method of settling disputes, but despite repeated...

Toronto joins with Federation of Canadian Municipalities in appealing Ledcor ruling

telecom | 02/12/2001 5:00 am EST

As promised, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is appealing the CRTC’s decision on Vancouver rights of way to the Federal Court and it’s being joined in that fight by its largest member, the City of Toronto. The action stems from Telecom Decision 2001-23, which gave the City of Vancouver a moral...

Federal government launches business portal as it promotes connectivity

telecom | 02/12/2001 5:00 am EST

In a further move to bolster its drive to Canada one of the most wired nations on earth, the federal government unveiled a new Internet portal this week geared toward business. This follows on the heels of the launch of a redesigned site to serve the general public. Industry minister Brian Tobin heralded...

Dot com crash, fear of economic slowdown signal return to business basics for telcos

telecom | 02/12/2001 5:00 am EST

The financial markets are giving Canadian telcos a critical examination partially based on the sins of their American counterparts. The same scrutiny is true for firms that service telcos. But that may not be such a bad thing, industry experts offer. While investors were flocking to telecommunications companies of all...

NL Short Takes

telecom | 02/12/2001 5:00 am EST

UUNET now known as WorldCom Canada ISP UUNET is adopting the name of its parent company. Now the firm will be known as WorldCom Canada Ltd. It is also announcing a new range of products and services as it operates under its new name. BCE denies it is after larger stake in regional telcos BCE Inc issued a statement denying it wants to increase its holdings in Aliant Inc and Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. The conglomerate plans to keep its stake in the telcos at 53% of Aliant and 22% of MTS. Toronto mandates 10-digit dialing beginning next month Ten-digit dialing will become mandatory in Toronto as of Mar. 5. The Canadian Number Administration predicts Ottawa will have to adopt a similar system by 2006. CRTC establishes CISCs for area code relief The CRTC has set up Interconnection Steering Committees to look at area code relief for area code 613 and 819 (PN 2001-20) and area code 519 (PN 2001-21). The commission has also granted forbearance to wide area networking services from SaskTel (Order 2001-118), approved...