Telus joins Rogers in Wireless Code extension ask

Several telecoms are backing Rogers Communications Inc.’s request for an extension to implement certain requirements of the Wireless Code, suggesting some processes required by the code will take longer than the CRTC initially thought. Telus Corp. was the latest to file a Part 1 application to the commission requesting an extension to implement certain aspects of the revised code, which it said would be “impossible” to put in place by the Dec. 1 deadline. In its application, which doubles as an intervention to Rogers’ request, the Vancouver-based company backed Rogers to drive the point. It said that its and Rogers' experiences "demonstrate that the section E requirements are complex and substantial" and "take considerable time to plan and action,” Telus said in its application, dated Thursday and posted on the CRTC’s website Friday. It is also asking for a new deadline of March 31, 2018 to implement those aspects of the new code, released in June. Section E deals with bill management and governs international roaming notification, caps on roaming add-ons and consent from account holder on data overage. In an effort to reduce bill shock, the new code mandates that data overage automatically be capped at $50 and international roaming charges at $100, unless express consent is given to pay more. In addition, the cap applies on a per-account basis, regardless of the number of devices on the account. Telus said it’s still testing the coding for the new system, saying additional time is needed to “revamp the way notifications and caps operate.” That includes updating the systems with the CRTC’s new account holder and authorized user categorizations, which requires “new logic” so consents from account holders are obtained and notifications are going to the “right person at the right time.” In its application, Rogers noted the practical difficulties in implementing those changes to mixed-line accounts — those that have a blend of shared data buckets through its Share Everything plans and single or more than one single lines. It added it was having issues including consolidating data add-ons and pay-per-use services under data caps. For Telus, the new rules mean the “billing system must transition from a device level calculation to an account level aggregated calculation” to deal with the new cap system. “Telus suspects that other are facing similar challenges as Rogers and itself,” the company added in the intervention, noting the CRTC should “recognize the importance of implementing these changes in an operational fashion.” Indeed, this isn’t the first time companies have requested an extension due to technical complexities with some of the Code’s requirements. Regional telecom TBayTel Inc., for example, had asked in August for a year extension on aspects of the new code, including notifying customers on multi-user accounts of overages and the account holder when a device begins roaming. Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holdings Corp. which was successfully granted a deadline extension for aspects of the original Wireless Code in 2013, noted in its intervention supporting Rogers that the company’s ask is understandable. “SaskTel has firsthand experience implementing the original wireless code and making changes to our cellular ecosystem,” the provider noted. “We are aware of the complexities of the various cellular systems including the hardware and software…changes to these systems often require detailed, nuanced, complicated analysis.” “In these circumstances, it is not surprising that a service provider will have difficulty meeting the required in service date,” it added. Moreover, Iristel Inc.’s Ice Wireless also filed interventions in support of Rogers’ application. “Ice Wireless is keenly aware that regulatory changes that seem relatively simple can occasionally result in complex technological requirements when applied to the operating environment of an existing network and its support systems,” it said in its application. Iristel is further asking that Rogers notify customers of the remedies the company will offer due to the delay. But while the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) agreed to giving TBayTel its extension — on the condition it waive roaming charges and domestic overages incurred without the account holder being notified — it disagreed with giving Rogers its own. PIAC said international roaming notifications and data suspension caps on entire accounts were already supposed to be implemented when the code was introduced in 2013, as interpreted by the Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services (CCTS). The consumer interest group added that Rogers is “exaggerating the difficulties,” suggesting it can meet the obligation on mixed line accounts by dividing the cap by the number of devices on the accounts. Otherwise, if the commission grants the extension, PIAC suggests it implement the same conditions it recommended in the TBayTel application. Telus, in the meantime, noted that it will comply with every other requirement under the new code by the Dec. 1 deadline. The deadline to comment on Telus’ application is Nov. 24, with Telus’ reply due by Nov. 29, CRTC spokeswoman Patricia Valladao said in an email. Those dates are one day later than what Telus requested for an expedited process. — With reporting by Ahmad Hathout at ahathout@thewirereport.ca and editing by Anja Karadeglija at akarad@thewirereport.ca

Telus joins Rogers in Wireless Code extension ask

News | November 20, 2017

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us

Telus joins Rogers in Wireless Code extension ask

News | November 20, 2017

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

Related Stories

CRTC launches consult on challenges in broadcasting market

OPINION: More competition does not require new competitors

CAB local news plan draws support from industry, jeers from music firms

Telus’ arguments for incumbent access to wholesale regime not supported by competitors

Reuse & Permissions

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us