DOCSLIB.ORG

Bell Mobility, on Behalf of the Bell Wireless Alliance (BWA), Is Pleased to Offer the Following Comments in Response to Canada Gazette Notice No

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Bell Mobility, on Behalf of the Bell Wireless Alliance (BWA), Is Pleased to Offer the Following Comments in Response to Canada Gazette Notice No 10 June 2002 Mr. Michael Helm Director General Telecommunications Policy Branch Industry Canada 300 Slater Street Ottawa, Ontario Don Woodford K1A 0C8 Director - Government & Regulatory Affairs Dear Mr. Helm: Subject: Consultation on a Request to Modify the Treatment of Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio Systems under the Mobile Spectrum Cap Policy, Canada Gazette – Part 1, Notice No. DGTP-003-02, dated 10 May 2002 Introduction Bell Mobility, on behalf of the Bell Wireless Alliance (BWA), is pleased to offer the following comments in response to Canada Gazette Notice No. DGTP-003-02 concerning a request from TELUS Mobility (TELUS) to modify the treatment of Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio (ESMR) spectrum under the provisions of the spectrum cap policy (the Notice). The members of the BWA include the following companies: Aliant Mobility, Bell Mobility Inc., MTT Mobility Inc., MTS Communications Inc., SaskTel Mobility and NorthwesTel Mobility. The BWA's members provide public switched and private mobile services throughout Canada in competition with both TELUS and other wireless carriers. Bell Mobility 105, rue Hôtel-de-Ville 5e étage Hull (Québec) J8X 4H7 Tel: (819) 773-5575 Fax: (819) 773-4346 Internet ID: [email protected] - 2 - Background TELUS, in its 27 November 2001 request to the Department, states that its ESMR service offerings face constraints in certain areas in Canada as a result of the current spectrum cap. Specifically, TELUS identifies that Vancouver and Toronto are very close to the current cap limit with less than 1 MHz remaining in each area. While also identified as areas for concern in TELUS' request, the Calgary and Montréal markets appear to have some ESMR spectrum capacity room, with 2.1 MHz and 3.2 MHz respectively remaining in each area. TELUS further notes that the anticipated timing of Industry Canada's general review of its spectrum cap policy is such that it will not accommodate TELUS' requirements in some or all of the above areas. In its request, TELUS identified a number of considerations that, in its view, warrant a revision of the treatment of ESMR spectrum under the spectrum cap policy. First, TELUS states that complex spectrum planning and engineering design processes apply to ESMR spectrum. TELUS further states that this results from the fact that ESMR spectrum is heavily encumbered relative to PCS/cellular spectrum. Second, by requiring TELUS to heavily rely on cell splitting technology to achieve the additional capacity required, TELUS argues that the spectrum cap effectively takes away capital that consequently "denies Canadians a further choice in wireless service offerings." Third, TELUS notes that in 1994 the U.S. regulatory authority, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), adopted an attribution rule such that for the purposes of the U.S. spectrum cap, a maximum of 10 MHz of ESMR spectrum is attributed to an entity when determining its compliance under the U.S. cap. These considerations are such, TELUS argues, that its ESMR spectrum is only a "partial" substitute for cellular and PCS spectrum under the cap. BWA Response to Specific Notice Questions a) Is ESMR sufficiently different from cellular and PCS to warrant a special treatment of the spectrum use under the spectrum cap? The BWA strongly asserts that the services offered by TELUS, with its ESMR spectrum, are not sufficiently different from cellular and PCS to warrant special treatment under the cap at this time. The BWA believes that the services offered by TELUS using this spectrum compete directly with the cellular and PCS services offered by its members. The BWA notes, for example, the Department's characterization of ESMR, at page 2 of the Notice, as systems which provide both the services which are offered by cellular systems further enhanced by additional specialized services which are not matched by cellular or PCS systems. As the Notice further identifies, ESMR systems are equipped with automatic soft hand-off capabilities between cells and are fully interconnected with the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Notably, TELUS' website for its Mike ESMR service characterizes the product as "…the all-in-one business communication powerhouse with Mike's Direct Connect, PCS phone, Internet capabilities and pager services." (emphasis added) Consequently, from a service application perspective, BWA strongly asserts that ESMR services are directly substitutable for its cellular and PCS services. Indeed, in certain applications, ESMR services are even more adequately configured to compete for niche - 3 - business segments than are cellular and PCS. In this regard, applications which use ESMR Direct Connect functionality, such as the construction industry, as well as any applications requiring a dispatch capability are instances where ESMR is highly competitive and substitutable for cellular and PCS. b) Would modifying the treatment of the ESMR spectrum cap undermine the role and competition objectives of the spectrum cap which are to ensure Canadians have a range of services and a choice of service providers? As the Department's Notice states, the spectrum cap is a policy instrument designed and adopted in 1995 to support new entrants and foster increased competition in the wireless industry. Since that time the Canadian wireless market has evolved to be both intensely competitive and a challenging environment in which all service providers are struggling to meet their financial targets. The market has also witnessed structural change that materially affects the ownership of the specific spectrum in question in this Notice, i.e., the 2000 acquisition of Clearnet Communications and its ESMR holdings by TELUS. Unlike Clearnet Communications, the primary ESMR carrier at the time of the formulation of the policy in 1995, TELUS is not a new entrant. The BWA believes that, in the context of the current highly competitive market circumstances, the approval of selective and special treatment of ESMR spectrum would place one of Canada's largest incumbent wireless players in an extremely advantageous competitive position relative to its competitors in the market. The BWA further suggests that such a fundamental change in the policy would be premature and should not be entertained prior to Industry Canada's anticipated overall review of the spectrum cap policy. The BWA also believes that wireless carriers have a responsibility to plan their spectrum needs in accordance with the applicable spectrum management policies adopted by the Department. In this regard, the BWA notes that, despite full knowledge of the Department's spectrum cap policy as it has applied to ESMR spectrum since 1995, TELUS acquired PCS spectrum in the 2001 PCS spectrum auction in some of the very areas where it now purports to be constrained. BWA notes that absent these acquisitions, TELUS would not be in the predicament that it finds itself, hence a predicament substantially of its own making. c) Would the public interest be served by permitting more spectrum flexibility for the ESMR service to expand and continue to provide high quality service to its users? For the reasons outlined in this submission, the BWA is not in agreement with TELUS' proposal to selectively modify the treatment of ESMR spectrum under the mobile spectrum cap policy on an across the board basis. As stated previously, the BWA believes that such action would place its members in a competitively disadvantageous position relative to TELUS. Moreover, as TELUS notes in its request, its immediate needs are limited to only a few specific areas in the country. The BWA sees no reason why any remedy, even temporary, should be applied in areas of the country where TELUS is not facing such capacity constraints. - 4 - The BWA notes, however, that the current situation is closely analogous to that existing when the Department announced its last review of the spectrum cap in October 1998. Recognizing that the timeframe for a decision in that review might be problematic for certain licensees, the Department stipulated that: "Should this schedule be problematic to any entity, it may submit an application requesting temporary relief for a particular geographical area, and for a certain amount of spectrum, pending the outcome of the review."1 (emphasis added) The BWA believes that such an approach lends itself very well to current situation. This approach, in the BWA's view, would be more reasonable than undertaking an across the board, nation-wide modification to the spectrum cap, especially when a major review of the cap will likely be conducted in the foreseeable future. Providing temporary relief, in geographical areas where a requirement has been substantiated, is an approach that would address TELUS' particular ESMR capacity issues. At the same time this approach would avoid the competitive inequity associated with providing special treatment for one wireless carrier under the cap, especially in the context of the current highly competitive and volatile market. In this regard, the BWA is also prepared to state that it would not oppose an application for temporary relief, in a particular geographic area, for a substantiated amount of additional spectrum. d) Would limiting the amount of ESMR spectrum calculated under the cap, or eliminating it altogether from the cap, provide a reasonable balance for the public interest? If limiting the amount of spectrum calculated under the cap is the preferred outcome, what approach among the following should be used and for what reason? i) Include ESMR spectrum to a maximum of 10 MHz. ii) Include ESMR spectrum at a discounted rate of X% (e.g. at a 25% discount rate, 12 MHz of ESMR spectrum results in 9 MHz being discounted); what would be a reasonable discount rate? i) and ii) The BWA does not support adopting the FCC's attribution rule as the appropriate approach in the current circumstances. The BWA notes that the FCC's decision to adopt an attribution rule was based on an extensive analysis of the circumstances existing in the U.S.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • TWU Wrestles with Telus in Court
    Union optimistic after VoIP hearings By Sid Shniad, TWU Research Director The TWU urged the have phone conversations companies be regulated in the Transmitter article by Rod) the effects of deregulation and Canadian Radio-television over the Internet, should be same way as VoIP provided that telephone companies are were taking the TWU’s call to and Telecommunications regulated in the same way as by telephone companies, and using VoIP to restructure their regulate all of the players in Commission (CRTC) to fully wireline service, TWU the CRTC shouldn’t let any operations and finances to the sector seriously. It is too regulate Voice-over Internet president Rod Hiebert, lawyer company offer VoIP until it is avoid regulatory oversight. early to tell what this will Protocol (VoIP), in a three- Jim Aldridge and I told the capable of providing During the hearing, it ultimately mean, but the signs day hearing held late CRTC. The TWU also emergency services like 911. became clear that at least are good. After years of September in Ottawa. recommended that VoIP The TWU pointed out (as some of the CRTC panel participating in proceedings Vo IP, which allows users to service provided by cable detailed in a recent members are concerned about (see TWU urges -- page 5) October 2004 XXVI 2 TWU wrestles with Telus in court Last January the deal was Then, just a couple of accusations of bias, but unacceptable, and appealed the Board in Letter Decision sealed. It was good news. weeks later, the company flip- instead dismissed them as for a Judicial Review in the 1004.
    [Show full text]
  • Canada Wireless
    Canada Wireless 1/22/15 Market Opportunity • Canada has over 29 million wireless subscribers. 79% of all wireless subscribers are Post Paid Customers and 21% are Pre- Paid Customers • Telus is one of the top 3 wireless carriers with over 28.9% of the market • A 2014 study showed that 55% of Canadians owned a smartphone. In 2015 the penetration rate grew to 68%, representing a year-over-year growth of 24%. • Since 2008 the average wireless price has decreased by 22% • As of summer 2015, the amount of spectrum available to provide mobile services to consumers has grown by almost 60 percent, allowing Canadians and their families to benefit from the latest technologies and world-class services. Why TELUS? • Latest Greatest Devices - find the phone that's right for you, including an iPhone! • Great Network - Our state-of-the-art 4G network is now faster with Canada’s most advanced LTE technology. Get our very best speeds available for your device no matter where you are. • TELUS Your Choice Plans - Choose the phone you want and the amounts of voice and data you need. Your Choice lets you create a custom mobile phone plan with flexibility and savings for you, or your entire family. • Best of the Internet - access to the apps and services you love the most Target Market Wireless Service • Canadian Post Paid Residential Customers • The value conscious consumer who is looking for the latest smart phone at the best price on the market! • We offer international roaming with talk & text in over 200 countries, and email and web in over 100 countries.
    [Show full text]
  • PDF Format Or in HTML at the Following Internet Site
    Telecom Decision CRTC 2005-39 Ottawa, 6 July 2005 Alberta Health and Wellness' request for code 8-1-1 for non-urgent health teletriage services Reference: 8665-A83-200409492 and 8698-C12-200415928 In this Decision, the Commission approves an application from Alberta Health and Wellness requesting the assignment of an N-1-1 code, specifically 8-1-1, for access to non-urgent health care telephone triage services. The application 1. The Commission received an application from Alberta Health and Wellness, on behalf of the provincial and territorial Deputy Ministers of Health (Alberta Health and Wellness), dated 24 August 2004, filed pursuant to Part VII of the CRTC Telecommunications Rules of Procedure. Alberta Health and Wellness requested that the Commission assign the 3-1-1 code for non-commercial use across Canada for access to first level health care telephone triage services (teletriage services). 2. Alberta Health and Wellness stated that teletriage service has been identified by all provincial and territorial Deputy Ministers of Health as an important component in primary care restructuring and reform. Teletriage service, as a component of primary care systems, would improve access to primary health care services, the quality and efficiency of those services, and the results for patients who use those services. 3. In Assignment of 311 for non-emergency municipal government services, Telecom Decision CRTC 2004-71, 5 November 2004 (Decision 2004-71), the Commission approved the assignment of the 3-1-1 code for access to non-emergency municipal government services. 4. Concurrent with the release of Decision 2004-71, on 5 November 2004, Commission staff issued a letter announcing that the 5-1-1 and 8-1-1 resources were available for reassignment and invited the applicant to amend its application to request an available three digit code (N-1-1), given that the 3-1-1 resource was no longer available.
    [Show full text]
  • TELUS Corporation Annual Information Form for the Year Ended
    TELUS Corporation annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2005 March 20, 2006 FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS.................................................................................................2 TELUS .........................................................................................................................................................2 OPERATIONS, ORGANIZATION AND CORPORATE DEVELOPMENTS ...................................5 EMPLOYEE RELATIONS .....................................................................................................................14 CAPITAL ASSETS AND GOODWILL.................................................................................................15 ALLIANCES .............................................................................................................................................17 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ........................................................................................................................20 FOREIGN OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS.........................................................................................22 REGULATION .........................................................................................................................................23 COMPETITION .......................................................................................................................................32 DIVIDENDS DECLARED.......................................................................................................................35
    [Show full text]
  • Cell Phone Plans Canada
    Cell Phone Plans Canada Winston avulse downstage. Jaggier and corroded Sheffie fullers her antioxidants seedling unearths and recondense fourth. Blooded Hakim rearisen his moonwalk ptyalize irefully. Terms of information purposes only the signal strength and book a contract, and save money and more about data at telus mobility in ontario, jump to cell phone plans We considered if necessary at rogers plans is good cell phone plans canada, canada and improved indoor reception. So, familiar is all the early important supplement you to hunt down the cheapest plan say the great of features you need. Talk were often and green long response you wish. All plans that matches your service is the best telecom what is that the savings? Who is the best big phone provider in Canada? What cell phone or canada to your cell phone plans canada? There are typically use fido has on the best deals. Cookies to your bill cycle. AlwaysOnline Wireless is express on-demand 4G LTE service you over 45 countries with plans by half hour by the stack or recount the megabyte They sell physical SIM cards. Buy more family cell phone plans that it or degradation in cell phone plan deals on your phone. If geo_data is your account? Mobile advisor can afford it for two dozen countries may impact your phone. This is subject to canada for money to your travel plug adapters to cell phone plans canada. Upgrade will not influence your cell phone plans is subject to quickly jump to expect. Happy with you how the cell phone plans canada at any percentage discount cell phone plans offered by visiting www.
    [Show full text]
  • Many Wireless Customers in Canada Underwhelmed by Network Reliability and Speed, J.D
    Many Wireless Customers in Canada Underwhelmed by Network Reliability and Speed, J.D. Power Finds Bell Mobility and TELUS Mobility Rank Highest in Ontario; Videotron Ranks Highest in Eastern Region; TELUS Mobility Ranks Highest in Western Region TORONTO: 22 April 2021 – Although the overall performance of Canada’s wireless networks remains flat year over year with an average of 9 PP100 (problems per 100 connections), a significant portion of customers say performance was not up to par, according to the J.D. Power 2021 Canada Wireless Network Quality Study,SM released today. Only 67% of wireless customers agree that their carrier’s network is reliable when streaming music and videos, activities that account for a significant amount of time used on devices. In addition, just 7% of customers say network speeds are faster than expected. “Despite massive investments in infrastructure and technology, customers remain relatively unimpressed by their carriers’ wireless networks,” said Adrian Chung, director of the technology, media & telecom practice at J.D. Power Canada. “Customers perceive the quality and performance of the wireless networks mainly as fair and meeting expectations. More specifically, network strength is associated with traditional functionality like calling and texting rather than browsing and streaming, presenting a clear reliability gap that carriers need to bridge.” This reliability gap should serve as a red flag for carriers, especially because browsing and streaming account for nearly half (49%) of the time that customers say they spend on their mobile phones. Following are additional key findings of the 2021 study: • Data hungry: The past year has seen an increased need to stay connected and more customers in Canada are beefing up their wireless plans.
    [Show full text]
  • Evolving Our Business Delivering on Our Strategy
    evolving our business delivering on our strategy ® TELUS Communications Inc. • annual report 2002 table of contents forward-looking statements inside front cover management’s discussion and analysis 1 consolidated statistics 22 management’s report 23 auditors’ report 24 consolidated financial statements 25 directors and officers 51 investor information 52 forward-looking statements Management’s discussion and analysis contains statements about expected future events and financial and operating results that are forward-looking and subject to risks and uncertainties. TELUS Communications Inc.’s actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations and may not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers or divestitures. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include but are not limited to: general business and economic conditions in TELUS Communications Inc.’s service territories across Canada and future demand for services; competition in wireline and wireless services, including voice, data and Internet services and within the Canadian telecommunications industry generally; re-emergence from receivership of newly restructured competitors; levels of capital expenditures; success of operational and capital efficiency programs including maintenance of customer service levels; success of integrating acquisitions; network
    [Show full text]
  • 2013 BCE Q4 Safe Harbour Notice
    BCE INC. Safe Harbour Notice Concerning Forward-Looking Statements February 6, 2014 Safe Harbour Notice Concerning Forward-Looking Statements In this document, we, us, our and BCE mean either BCE Inc. or, collectively, BCE Inc., its subsidiaries, joint arrangements and associates. Bell means our Bell Wireline, Bell Wireless and Bell Media segments on an aggregate basis. Bell Aliant means either Bell Aliant Inc. or, collectively, Bell Aliant Inc., its subsidiaries and associates. Certain statements made in the presentations entitled “Q4 2013 Results and 2014 Analyst Guidance Call”, dated February 6, 2014, and certain oral statements made by our senior management during Bell’s 2014 analyst guidance call held on February 6, 2014 (Bell’s 2014 Analyst Guidance Call), including, but not limited to, statements relating to BCE’s financial guidance (including revenues, EBITDA, capital intensity (Capital Intensity), Adjusted EPS and free cash flow (Free Cash Flow))1, BCE’s business outlook, objectives, plans and strategic priorities, BCE’s 2014 annualized common share dividend, common share dividend policy and targeted dividend payout ratio, Bell Canada’s financial policy targets, our expected 2014 pension cash funding, revenues and EBITDA expected to be generated from growth services, our broadband fibre, Internet protocol television (IPTV) and wireless networks deployment plans, and other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. In addition, we or others on our behalf may make other written or oral statements that are forward-looking from time to time. A statement we make is forward-looking when it uses what we know and expect today to make a statement about the future.
    [Show full text]
  • Number of Subscribers Subscribers at Beginning 2019
    2019 Subscribers Number of at Beginning Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 YEAR Subscribers † ††† of Q1 2019 Subscribers to Net Subscribers Net Subscribers Net Subscribers Net Subscribers Net Additions Date Additions to Date Additions to Date Additions to Date Additions to Date Jan-Mar (2019) Apr-Jun (2019) Jul-Sept (2019) Oct-Dec (2019) Bell Mobility† 9,442,553 38,282 9,480,835 149,478 9,630,313 187,760 9,630,313 Prepaid -11,922 672,646 46,498 719,144 34,576 719,144 Postpaid 50,204 8,808,189 102,980 8,911,169 153,184 8,911,169 Jan-Mar (2019) Apr-Jun (2019) Jul-Sept (2019) Oct-Dec (2019) Rogers Wireless 10,783,000 -33,000 10,750,000 85,000 10,708,000 52,000 10,708,000 Prepaid†† -56,000 1,570,000 8,000 1,451,000 -48,000 1,451,000 Postpaid 23,000 9,180,000 77,000 9,257,000 100,000 9,257,000 * SaskTel Mobility 607,448 2,503 609,951 n/a 609,951 2,503 609,951 Jan-Mar (2019) Apr-Jun (2019) Jul-Sept (2019) Oct-Dec (2019) TELUS Mobility††† 9,725,000 11,000 9,736,000 154,000 9,890,000 165,000 9,890,000 Dec (2018)-Feb (2019) Q2 Mar-May (2019) Jun-Aug (2019) Sept-Nov (2019) Freedom Mobile 1,468,473 47,783 1,516,256 62,099 1,578,355 109,882 1,578,355 Prepaid -16,887 335,799 820 336,619 -16,067 336,619 Postpaid 64,670 1,180,457 61,279 1,241,736 125,949 1,241,736 Jan-Mar (2019) Apr-Jun (2019) Jul-Sept (2019) Oct-Dec (2019) Vidéotron 1,153,800 39,800 1,193,600 38,300 1,231,900 78,100 1,231,900 Total prepaid -84,809 2,578,445 55,318 2,506,763 -29,491 2,506,763 Total postpaid 137,874 19,168,646 137,874 19,409,905 379,133 19,409,905 ** Total unclassified 53,303 11,539,551 192,300 11,731,851 243,100 11,731,851 Total Subscribers 33,180,274 106,368 33,286,642 488,877 33,648,519 595,245 33,648,519 † At the end of Q4 2018, Bell reported 9,610,482 prepaid and postpaid wireless subscribers.
    [Show full text]
  • Before the Canadian Radio-Television And
    Appendix A TELUS Communications Inc. Petition to the Governor in Council August 4, 2020 concerning Telecom Decision CRTC 2020-80 BEFORE THE CANADIAN RADIO-TELEVISION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION TELUS COMMUNICATIONS INC. Broadcasting and Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2020-81 Call for comments – Provision of paper bills by communications service providers Intervention of TELUS July 3, 2020 Appendix A TELUS Communications Inc. Petition to the Governor in Council August 4, 2020 concerning Telecom Decision CRTC 2020-80 TELUS Communications Inc. TNC 2020-81 July 3, 2020 TELUS Intervention Table of Contents 1. Introduction and Executive Summary ................................................................................ 3 2. TELUS’ billing policy is focused on electronic billing ...................................................... 4 3. TELUS’ focus on electronic billing is supported by numerous policy reasons .................. 5 3.1 Electronic billing contributes to environmental sustainability ........................................ 5 3.2 Electronic billing is consistent with consumer and industry trends ................................. 8 3.2.1 Electronic billing responds to increasing Internet use, including among seniors .. 8 3.2.2 Electronic billing is consistent with industry trends ............................................. 11 3.3 Electronic billing is less susceptible to unforeseen external events ............................... 12 4. TELUS’ account management tools are innovative and responsive to consumer needs
    [Show full text]
  • TELUS Mobility for Good COVID-19 Emergency Response Plans Potentially Impacted by Manitoba Prepaid Network Coverage
    TELUS Mobility for Good COVID-19 Emergency Response plans potentially impacted by Manitoba prepaid network coverage Hi there, We are reaching to all Winnipeg, MB-based organizations that were provided with $0 voice and data plans as part of COVID-19 pandemic emergency support services, to make light of network changes that could affect the recipients of mobile phones. As of March 16, 2021, our Prepaid network in Manitoba will be changing, and select areas of Winnipeg and Brandon may experience reduced calling coverage with certain mobile smartphone devices. The LTE network, data speeds, and the device’s ability to access nearby Wi-Fi signals will remain unaffected, however the reduction in HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) coverage may affect the calling experience with the mobile phone plans you were provided with, especially when indoors. This is a TELUS wide change that may potentially impact many prepaid account holders, and not just those gifted devices/plans through the Mobility for Good COVID Emergency Response program. All Mobility for Good COVID-19 emergency response plans will remain activated through June 30, 2021. In the coming months, we will be reaching out to all $0 talk/text/data plan recipient organizations to provide options for consideration upon expiry. In the meantime, we encourage you to begin considering how you would like to proceed and invite you to explore TELUS prepaid plans that are available to you at www.telus.com/prepaid. All tablets or smartphones gifted from TELUS as part of this program are not expected
    [Show full text]
  • COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 2001 Telecommunications
    COMMUNICATIONS OUTLOOK 2001 Telecommunications Country: Canada Date completed: 17.07.2000 1 TELECOMMUNICATIONS Market Structure and Regulatory Status (Questions 1 -10) 1. Please provide details of the regulation of communication infrastructure, including the public switched telecommunication network (PSTN), provision in your country. Infrastructure provision for following Regulatory Status (e.g. Number of licensed service monopoly, duopoly, operators (2000) certain number, fully open to any applicant) Fixed PSTN (Local, National and International) Competitive 148 Operators: NO Licenses required Network infrastructure capacity (Includes only Competitive companies not licensed to provide voice services) Analogue Cellular Mobile (e.g. NMT etc.) Competitive 2 Digital Cellular Mobile (e.g. GSM, PCS etc.) Competitive 8 Wireless local loop (fixed wireless) Competitive Wireless Broadband (LMCS / LMDS): 25 WLL (3.4 GHz): 32 MCS: 2 IMT-2000 Operators (i.e. UMTS and 3rd Competitive 0 Generation) 2. Please provide details for the major public telecommunication operator (PTO) of public switched telecommunication services in your country. (PTOs are state and privately owned entities providing public switched telecommunication services over their own infrastructure) Name of PTO PTO Ownership Status (2000) (e.g. state owned/privately owned). If a balance of ownership exists please indicate the share (%) held by the government Bell Canada Privately owned: 80% by BCE Inc., 20% SBC/Ameritech Telus Communications Inc. Privately owned: 100% Telus Corporation. Telus Corporation ownership: GTE 26.7%, 73.3% widely held Aliant (formerly: NB Tel, Island Privately owned: 100% Aliant Inc. Tel, NewTel, and MT&T, Aliant Inc. ownership: 51% by BCE Inc., 49% widely held. Maritime telephone companies) Manitoba Telecommunications Privately owned: 20% Bell Canada, 80% widely held System (MTS) Communications Inc.
    [Show full text]