CRTC Approves Bell Deferral Account Funds for Broadband but Directs Bell to Use DSL Technology

 

In Telecom Decision CRTC 2010-637 released on Tuesday, 31 Aug 10, the Commission approved the use of $306.3M of Bell Deferral Account money to provide DSL based broadband (high speed) Internet service in the selected service areas. This would appear to nullify the Bell Canada submission to provide the coverage using 3G HSPA technology.

Particulars concerning the implementation schedule and other details are not available to me at this time.

I consider today’s decision a significant move forward and a better technical solution for broadband (high speed) Internet delivery to the users in the selected Deferral Account areas.

While I welcome this decision, it is not unknown for affected parties to initiate appeals that could slow down the implementation process.   

I will post additional information as it becomes available on the ADnet web site and the ADnet blog over the next few days.

The Deferral Account areas in the Algoma District are SSM-Airport (Pointes areas), Wawa, Goulais, Echo Bay and St. Joseph Island.

Wireless Broadband (high speed) Internet Comparison

Wireless Type	Advantage	Disadvantage	Cost *
Satellite Small dish antenna installed on user residence.	1. Universal coverage of Canada 2. In theory easily scalable 3. Can connect to LAN	1. Latency/delay 2. Limited data Speed 3. Inconsistent data Speed 4. Impaired by weather 5. High initial user cost 6. Fair Use Policy limits	MRC: $59.99 Speed: up to 1 Mbps down Activation OTC : $99.00 Annual Licence: $75.00 Hardware: $199.00 (Can be waived)Installation Cost: Varies
Fixed Wireless Small panel or yagi antenna installed on user residence.	1. Relatively inexpensive to install 2. Consistent data speed 3. Medium range initial user cost 4. Can connect to LAN	1. Limited data speed 2. Line-of-sight to base required 3. Subject to terrain masking	MRC: $47.95 Speed: up to 4 Mbps Activation OTC: $75.00 Pop-up Tower (if needed) $300.00
HSPA Data stick or Data hub connected to computer. Can use external antenna for better speeds	1. Greatest data speed 2. Broadband and cellular capable 3. Expensive initial user cost without contract 4. Can connect to LAN	1. Line-of-sight and 5 km to cell tower 2. Expensive if basic data caps are exceeded 3. Subject to terrain masking	MRC: $35.00 – 1 GB $60.00 – 10 GB Speed: up to 7Mbps rural; 21Mbps urban Hardware: Hub: $400.00 Data stick: $175.00
			Taken from ISP websites. Packages and bundles can affect the actual prices a user pays. Does not include taxes or regulatory fees.

Is the CRTC Deferral Account Decision Near?

 

On 27 Aug 10 the CRTC issued a Media Advisory to advise “On August 31, 2010  a media lock-up will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for the decisions related to the disposal of the funds remaining in Bell Canada, Bell Aliant, Telus and MTS Allstream's deferral accounts. “

I expect the decision will become made public shortly after 4:00 PM on Tuesday, 31 Aug 10. 

I have not any seen leaks at the time of writing on what the decision will be.

As you recall, in January 2010 the Bell Companies proposed that Deferral Account  funds be used to provide broadband connectivity in the designated Deferral Account areas by means of 3G HSPA wireless technology. Extensive discussions and consultations took place over the past several months leading up to Tuesday's anticipated announcement.

The Deferral Account areas in the Algoma District are SSM-Airport (Pointes areas),  Wawa, Goulais, Echo Bay and St. Joseph Island.