CRTC announces funds for Nunavut and rejects Bell’s bid to amend Broadband Fund contributions

The CRTC has denied a BCE Inc. application to review and amend its 2018 Broadband Fund framework and its set contribution rates and interim funding for 2023 set last year. The contentious issue revolves around Bell's request to cease collecting additional contributions for the Broadband Fund and release unawarded funds. The Broadband Fund, established by the CRTC in 2018, aims to bridge connectivity gaps in underserved areas, including rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. In January, Bell sought an immediate halt to additional contributions, arguing a significant increase in government funding to broadband providers and excess collections by the commission. The company claimed that an extra $150 million in 2023 was unnecessary for the Broadband Fund's objectives. The CRTC rejected Bell's application, in a decision released Wednesday, emphasizing the Broadband Fund's vital role in providing affordable high-speed internet and mobile wireless services to Canadians in underserved regions. The CRTC is also bringing funding to all communities in Nunavut for the first time. “We know how important high-quality internet and cellphone services are to every aspect of peoples’ daily lives. Today marks a significant milestone, with the CRTC helping connect all communities in Nunavut to high-speed internet service for the first time,” CRTC chair Vicky Eatrides stated. The CRTC is granting financial support to SSi Micro Ltd. for the enhancement of its satellite internet service, marking a significant stride in advancing telecommunications in the region, the commission stated. Keewaytinook Okimakanak is also receiving funds to sustain satellite internet connectivity in two First Nations communities in Northern Ontario. Financial backing was also extended to Northwestel Inc. for the provision of fiber-based internet services in Atlin, an underserved Indigenous community in Northern British Columbia. “The projects announced… have received significant community support. In Nunavut, for example, municipalities, residents, businesses, and non-governmental organizations submitted letters to the CRTC emphasizing how high-speed Internet will improve access to education and healthcare, while helping to preserve Inuit culture and language,” the CRTC wrote in its release. Collectively, these initiatives will enable 28 Indigenous communities to access upgraded communication services. The CRTC is actively reviewing applications and plans to announce additional funding in 2024. Bell contested the CRTC’s conclusion in 2022 that an additional $150 million was necessary for the Broadband Fund. Interveners offered varied support, with Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. supporting a cessation of contributions and release of uncalled funds, subject to project evaluations. Cogeco Inc., Bragg Communication Inc.’s Eastlink, and the Independent Telecommunications Providers Association, supported Bell's application. Conversely, the Public Interest Advocacy Centre and SSi opposed it, suggesting that funds could still be utilized for policy objectives. The CRTC scrutinized Bell's claim of error in fact, asserting that the $150 million collection in 2023 aligns with Broadband Fund objectives. The CRTC highlighted ongoing project demands, increasing costs, and the broader policy review as reasons to maintain the funding levels. While the CRTC acknowledged Bell’s concerns, it highlighted an ongoing policy review initiated earlier this year with includes evaluating annual funding amounts and the Broadband Fund's overall objectives. The CRTC deemed Bell's application redundant, and will potentially duplicate efforts already underway, noting the increased government funding and surplus of Broadband Fund collections will be addressed in that review. The proceeding, launched in March, sought feedback on how the CRTC can improve the Broadband Fund. Initial comments were posted in July, with many agreeing the fund needs to be better managed, citing long approval wait times and a surplus of unallocated funds. – Reporting by Jenna Cocullo at jcocullo@thewirereport.ca

CRTC announces funds for Nunavut and rejects Bell’s bid to amend Broadband Fund contributions

News | December 20, 2023

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CRTC announces funds for Nunavut and rejects Bell’s bid to amend Broadband Fund contributions

News | December 20, 2023

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