GATINEAU – When the CRTC issued decision 2019-288 in August 2019, its decision on third party internet access wholesale rates, everyone grasped the complexity of the file but perhaps not all had considered the complexity of concurring applications to different avenues of appeal.
Of course, the same players are involved in the various proceedings but this is why, when the cable carriers and Bell asked for an extension of 60 days to file a Review & Vary application to the Commission, nine days before the end of the 90-day periods to officially file, many were skeptical and voiced strong opinions.
Today, the CRTC issued its decision on the extension request, splitting the difference so there is now a new deadline of December 13th for the incumbents to file their Review & Vary requests with the Regulator.
Many opposed to the extension consider the extension would delay the final implementation of the new tariffs that favoured the competitors.
However, “The Commission considers that granting an extension request, in and of itself, would not impact the implementation of Telecom Order 2019-288 or the level of competition, as an extension would only provide potential applicants additional time to prepare review and vary applications,” stated the CRTC letter released today.
“Although Telecom Order 2019-288 made a number of determinations and several adjustments to proposed rates and was based on voluminous records that began in 2016 and concluded in 2019, parties that participated in the proceeding leading to the order would be well informed and should not require a long extension to prepare potential review and vary applications,” it goes on.
“In the circumstances, the Commission considers that a 30 day extension is reasonable, as it would result in minimal prejudice to public interest and address the concerns identified, ‘the Commission concluded.
Will the granting of a one-month reprieve, a day before the deadline, change anything of the quality of the Review & Vary applications from Bell and the cable carriers? We shall soon find out.
We may see any new arguments which the incumbents have sooner than that. As we have reported, another 90-day deadline to file a different appeal of the decision with federal cabinet is also Wednesday, November 13th and the incumbents are sure to file take that opportunity, too, as an extension of a cabinet application deadline is thought to be extremely unlikely.
