Telus suggests connectivity options in three BC areas

Telus Corp. has filed a Part 1 application which it hopes will resolve connectivity issues in three parts of British Columbia. An abridged version of the document was posted on the CRTC website earlier this month. The commission was upset that the western telecom is planning to cut service in communities near Kamloops. It ordered Telus to file the Part 1 by May. The company believes it can offer its customers better service through better technology. The telephone system in place in the Kamloops region uses old wireless technology and requires spectrum to operate. The new one will use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and satellites. “Telus has already put in place a path to a positive outcome where customers can obtain an alternative service that is ultimately superior in many respects to the old service,” the firm wrote. Customers have already been given $1,400 by Telus to offset costs associated with the new service. The company has identified 110 residential consumers and five business customers in the districts affected. It reports that 88 per cent of residential customers have cashed the compensation cheques. Currently the telecom is using spectrum in the 3.5 Ghz band to provide telephony to the residents of the area. The authorization to use that spectrum will expire next year due to changes in regulations by the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED). “Telus has ensured, and will continue to ensure, that no customer is left without phone service, and all customers will be able to access the public safety and emergency services, health, schooling, employment opportunities and contact with friends and family that they enjoy today,” the telecom wrote the commission. The satellite-based VoIP service should be better and more reliable, the firm states. It will enable 911 and local service and allow for broadband connectivity. Those relying on teletypewriter (TTY) relays will be able to access them around the clock. The company points out that it has been providing service to underserved regions for decades now. In order to get a fair rate of return, it made money from long distance rates and the local voice subsidy. The local voice subsidy was eliminated in 2018. Telus is of the opinion that construction of a new network does not fall under the obligation to serve. It argues that the general terms of service includes exceptions which the current situation exemplifies. Nonetheless, it is willing to do so, provided it can receive subsidies from the commission or similar governmental bodies. “In these unique circumstances, any order requiring Telus to build net new facilities requires compensation for the associated construction and maintenance,” it wrote. “This extends to both capex and opex.” The use of spectrum is slated to expire in March of next year. Telus is not confident it will be able to roll out a new network by that time and may seek an extension on the spectrum from ISED. Interested parties have until June 17 to respond to the Part 1 application. – Reporting by Paul Park at ppark@thewirereport.ca

Telus suggests connectivity options in three BC areas

News | May 10, 2024

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Telus suggests connectivity options in three BC areas

News | May 10, 2024

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