CIK Telecom files series of new MDU access applications

CIK Telecom Inc. has filed five new Part 1 applications with the CRTC alleging that Strata Corp. has denied it access to multiple dwelling unit (MDU) buildings in British Columbia. These are the latest in a series of Part 1 filings by the competitive carrier. All of the properties are in the city of Richmond. In its first application, the telecom says it asked to be let into 6233 Katsura Street and 9133 Hemlock Drive to work on its own fibre facilities in October 2022 with followup requests in November and January. After the January communication, property manager Rancho Management Services Ltd. replied that Strata was not interested at that time. Further missives in February and March went unanswered. CIK points out that customers have been without service at the two locations for more than eight months. “The factual background to this application is far from a unique set of circumstances,” the CLEC wrote. “Despite the clear requirements of the MDU access condition, CIK Telecom continues to encounter MDU owners and property managers who deny our right of timely access to MDUs pursuant to reasonable terms and conditions.” In the second case CIK asked for access to its facilities at 8880 Jones Road in October. It followed up in November and January. This time it was Dwell Property Management who said Strata was not interested. The telecom reached out again in February, March and April but received no response. This situation has also been going on for eight months. The third case features properties at 9388 Odlin Road and 9333 Tomicki Avenue. Access to CIK facilities was requested in September with follow ups in October, November and January. Rancho Management again said Strata was not interested. February and March saw further communications which were not responded to. The case has dragged on for nine months. Three properties at 8600 Park Road, 6800 Eckersley Road and 6828 Eckersley Road are the subject of the fourth complaint. Initial contact was made in October with further outreaches in November and January. Rancho Management turned CIK down and ignored communications in February and March. This is another eight-month process for the telecom. The final filing involves premises at 8180 Jones Road, 8200 Jones Road and 8220 Jones Road. CIK asked to get to its own facilities in November with follow ups in January, February, March and May of this year. Last month Dorset Realty Group denied the request, saying there were other ongoing projects in the buildings. CIK dismisses this excuse, saying it is not a proper reason to deny access. This situation has been ongoing for seven months. The telecom is seeking the usual remedy in these situations. If access is not permitted within 15 days of a CRTC decision, other carriers will be forbidden to service new clients. After 30 days, they cannot upgrade existing customers. If access is still denied after 45 days, all telecom service to the premises will be halted. “This application and four separate applications that are being filed concurrently, brings the total number of CIK Telecom MDU access proceedings before the commission to 10,” the company wrote. Among the other applications outstanding are a complaint about Strata from April and another from July. The company resolved a dispute back in January. – Reporting by Paul Park at ppark@thewirereport.ca and editing by Phalen Tynes-MacDonald at pcreed@thewirereport.ca.

CIK Telecom files series of new MDU access applications

News | June 22, 2023

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CIK Telecom files series of new MDU access applications

News | June 22, 2023

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