Telecom association CEO wants more action, predictability from government

The head of the Canadian Telecommunications Association wants more predictability from the federal government in its handling of telecom matters. The CRTC and the department of innovation, science and economic development (ISED) are the principal players in the area. “It’s like any business, it’s hard to make long-range plans when there’s still unpredictability out there in the regulatory environment,” CTA president and CEO Robert Ghiz told The Wire Report in an interview. Ghiz sees the rollout of world-class networks as a challenge the industry is currently facing. The government is aiming to have all Canadians on a broadband network by 2030. Ghiz is hopeful that will be achieved. The CTA released two studies at the recent Canadian Telecom Summit in Toronto. One found that the industry contributes $80 billion to the national economy; the second discovered that consumers who switched carriers can save money on their services. Ghiz points to Statistics Canada figures that show wireless prices are falling in Canada. They have declined 50 per cent over the past five years and 15.5 per cent in the last year. He wishes more customers would acknowledge that fact. “They can’t ignore StatCan, they can’t ignore us saying it on a daily basis,” he asserts. “Time is always of the essence. As time goes on, people are going to see the value that they’re getting.” As for broadband, ISED released a report in 2023 noting Canada’s prices were, for the most part, the second highest internationally – trailing only Australia. While Canada’s prices did continue to fall in the year studied, the report noted the country’s broadband international price ranking has been “fairly consistent” since the first study in 2008. Asked after the interview to comment on the international comparison in the report, Ghiz wrote that “one-dimensional price comparisons don’t tell the full story as they fail to take into consideration important market differences like quality of service, country size, population density, as well as other factors that impact the cost of delivering the service. “What is important to note is that despite the high cost of building high-speed internet networks across Canada, the price of internet services has been on the decline, while the cost of most other goods and services has been on the rise.” Ghiz stresses the importance of having facilities-based networks to bring cellular and internet service to Canadians. “If you’re not building, then people are not being upgraded, more people are not being connected, so it’s all about having a regulatory environment that supports facilities-based competition,” he states. After Ghiz’s interview with The Wire Report, the CRTC outlined a long-awaited policy decision ordering BCE Inc.’s Bell Canada, Bell Aliant, and Bell MTS, along with Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corp. (SaskTel), and Telus Corp. to provide competitors wholesale access to their existing fibre networks. Those companies have until next February to provide access to its networks. Ghiz has declined to comment on the decision at this time. One issue looming for most telecom players is the increase in copper thefts. Vandalism at telecommunications sites has skyrocketed by 200 per cent over the past two years, Ghiz reports. Telecoms have been hitting back, in some cases suing convicted thieves, but the CTA wants more action. “We’re trying to work with the federal government so that they can change some laws… to put in stiffer penalties so to speak, to create a deterrent to messing around or stealing telecommunications equipment,” he says. “Right now, when caught, typically charged with theft under $5,000, which is about the same as if you stole a bike.” Ghiz began his political career working on Parliament HIll as an assistant to Liberal cabinet minister Sheila Copps and in the office of then-Prime Minister Jean Chretien. He later returned to his native Prince Edward Island to become head of the provincial Liberal Party. After serving as leader of the opposition, he became Premier in 2007, holding the position until 2015. He believes his background helps in his lobbying job. “It gives a good perspective that when we’re meeting with decision makers or I'm advising the board, I can give the point of view of where governments are coming from,” he states. “You know, we don’t always agree, governments and businesses don’t always see eye to eye on things.” Ghiz has been president of the CTA, (then known as the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association) since 2016, replacing former New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord. Ghiz has no intention of stepping away. “I’ve been here now, it’s coming up on eight years,” he said. “We’ve made a lot of progress over those eight years and I’d like to stick around for a little bit longer. It all depends on what my members want and as long as I’m still enjoying the job I’m in.” Ghiz praises his membership and his staff for their hard work and the ease with which the CTA functions. He looks to the near future and is preparing for the prospect of a leadership change in the federal government. That would necessitate getting acquainted with new players on the political side. “Governments are in a four-year political cycle and are stuck in a position where they need to deal with the loudest Canadians. That can be very small groups. For me, it’s about finding that balance on what’s best for our industry that I think the government can accept.” –Reporting by Paul Park at ppark@thewirereport.ca

Telecom association CEO wants more action, predictability from government

News | | August 21, 2024

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Telecom association CEO wants more action, predictability from government

News | | August 21, 2024

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