Northwestel Successfully Transitions Services in Atlin, BC, Unveils Plans for Enhanced Connectivity

BCE Inc.’s Northwestel announced to the CRTC that it has successfully transitioned telecommunications services in Atlin, B.C., from Telus Corp as of Nov. 23rd, following a recent regulatory adjustment that expanded the definition of the Far North and the approval of tariff applications by the CRTC. The move comes as part of an ongoing Far North, Phase 2, telecommunications proceeding initiated by the CRTC last year. Throughout the transition process, Northwestel has maintained a transparent and inclusive approach, regularly updating the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN) and the broader community of Atlin, it told the commission in its November intervention. The TRTFN expressed appreciation for the collaboration between Northwestel and Telus in a letter to the Commission dated October 11, 2023 stating “"e would like the CRTC to know that both Northwestel and Telus have been inclusive, respectful, and effective, for which we are truly appreciative." To ensure a smooth transition, Northwestel engaged with residents and businesses through letters, a town hall meeting in early-November, and individual service request opportunities. The company also undertook the installation of new equipment in Atlin, including a new switch, in preparation for the cutover. In a bid to further enhance services in Atlin, Northwestel has applied for funding from the Government of British Columbia and the CRTC's Broadband Fund to support a transport fibre build, replacing the existing microwave facility. The company has initiated preliminary work with the TRTFN, pending funding approval. Northwestel also submitted a separate application to the fund to include Atlin in the broader Every Community Project. If approved, this initiative will involve fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) planning and construction in collaboration with the TRTFN. In addressing the cellular service in the Atlin area, Northwestel revealed that the TRTFN is in the process of securing land for a preferred tower location. Collaboration with Bell Mobility is underway, and pending land acquisition and agreement finalization in 2024, construction is anticipated during the 2024 season, with service expected by the end of 2024. Telus told the CRTC it has retained a select number of national customers in Atlin through resale arrangements and has committed to supporting the costs associated with bringing fiber connectivity to Atlin homes. Telus then asked the CRTC not to regulate Fort St. John and High Level, B.C., which were excluded from the definition of the Far North despite being part of the ongoing proceedings. Telus said it has already implemented fiber broadband connectivity in Fort St. John, offering services comparable to those in urban centers at identical prices. High Level, with its existing internet service, is set to receive an upgrade to match Fort St. John's service levels, at equivalent pricing. “Therefore, most of the primary concerns at issue in this proceeding (i.e., broadband Internet availability, competition and affordability) have been addressed with respect to these communities,” Telus wrote. With Atlin transferred to Northwestel and Fort St. John and High Level excluded from the Far North designation, the alignment of the Far North with Northwestel's incumbent serving territory brings administrative convenience. This alignment also mitigates potential regulatory complexities, ensuring consistency across territories and avoiding complications arising from the application of special rules exclusively in the Far North, Telus argued. – Reporting by Jenna Cocullo at jcocullo@thewirereport.ca and editing by Paul Park at ppark@thewirereport.ca

Northwestel Successfully Transitions Services in Atlin, BC, Unveils Plans for Enhanced Connectivity

News | December 19, 2023

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Northwestel Successfully Transitions Services in Atlin, BC, Unveils Plans for Enhanced Connectivity

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