By Ahmad Hathout
Telus said the CRTC must pony up if it requires the telco to build a new network to keep landline customers in certain remote communities of British Columbia connected – even though there are alternative service providers in those areas.
Earlier this year, the Vancouver-based company was forced by the CRTC to explain what was going on with home telephone services in those BC communities after it proposed to disconnect the services. Telus explained that those services are based on decades-old wireless technology known as the SR500 system that uses the 3.5 GHz spectrum, which is being reconfigured by Innovation Canada for mobile wireless use.
While Telus received an extension by Innovation Canada to use the spectrum for that purpose until March 2025, the company said it has done everything by the regulatory book short of building a new network to ensure the residents of the affected communities remain connected. That includes providing affected customers with a one-time $1,400 for up to one year of connection costs to an alternative provider that can provide satellite-based services for voice over internet.
Telus said over a quarter of the impacted customers have since transitioned off the network, with lots of time to spare.
In the alternative, Telus argues that the CRTC cannot force the telco to build a cost-prohibitive new network in areas that are only accessible by helicopter because the disconnection of service is completely outside of its control. That is, unless the CRTC subsidizes it.
“If ordered, TELUS can support and engage in the planning and development of broadband builds, provided these efforts are appropriately subsidized and supported by regulatory frameworks,” it said in its proposal application.
“There are existing subsidy mechanisms that can be leveraged to support builds in these communities that would enable access to broadband Internet access, in addition to voice service,” it said, which include the $750-million Broadband Fund but can also involve federal and provincial government funds.
Telus is asking the CRTC to confirm that it will not oppose turning off the SR500 system, and that, if Telus must itself serve those areas, the regulator commits to subsidizing an appropriate build.
In the meantime, Telus said satellite-based internet services are the way to go for the affected communities, which are: Leading Hill and Espinosa in the Tahsis exchange; Nemiah Valley and the Xeni Gwet’in First Nations in the Alexis Creek exchange; and Red Lake, Tranquille Valley, Heller Creek and Green Stone Mountain in the North Kamloops exchange.
“In many ways, the satellite-based VoIP alternative will be a better and more reliable service for customers,” Telus said. “Beyond enabling 9-1-1 emergency calling and all local telephone services, it allows for broadband connectivity and is not subject to the same frailties as on-the-ground infrastructure like the SR500 System in relation to lightning strikes, wildfires, or other natural disasters.
“Furthermore, VoIP phones can be used to make important calls in the interest of public safety, including toll-free numbers for reporting wildfires,” it added. “Therefore, any concerns about a reduction in public safety arising from a transition from the existing TELUS service to the suggested alternatives are false. In fact, it is the current SR500 System that is more prone to system failures leading to a potential loss in connectivity.”
