Letter

Our File: 8663-C12-200402892

Ottawa, 16 April 2004

To: Parties registered as of noon, 16 April 2004 to Regulatory framework for voice communication services using Internet Protocol, Telecom Public Notice CRTC 2004-2, 7 April 2004

Re: Regulatory framework for voice communication services using Internet Protocol, Telecom Public Notice CRTC 2004-2, 7 April 2004 (PN 2004-2) - Request for Amended Procedures

Dear Sir/Madam:

On 15 April 2004, the Commission received letters filed jointly by Aliant Telecom Inc., Bell Canada, MTS Communications Inc., Saskatchewan Telecommunications, TELUS Communications Inc., TELUS Communications (Québec) Inc. and Télébec, société en commandite (the "Companies") and by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) requesting modifications to the process set out in PN 2004-2.

The Companies requested that the process set out in paragraphs 31 to 40 of PN 2004-2 be amended to allow for a fact-gathering and issue identification process, the filing of evidence and such other procedures as the Commission considers necessary. The Companies submitted that the complexity of the factual underpinnings and the policy issues to be decided in this proceeding as well as the potential prejudice that may be caused to the Companies from adoption of the Commission's preliminary views warrant a more complete procedure. Further, the Companies indicated that it would not be possible to understand the full implications of the Commission's preliminary views or the cross impacts amongst the parties in the timeframe as currently set out in PN 2004-2.

PIAC requested that the Commission modify the process set out in PN 2004-2, for example, to extend the deadline for filing initial evidence, to allow for an interrogatory process, and to provide for the filing of final and reply submissions.

Interested parties may by Tuesday, 20 April 2004 at 2:00 pm EST file with the Commission comments regarding modifications to the process set out in PN 2004-2 and serve a copy of any such comments on the Companies and PIAC at the same time and date. In addition, at the same time and date, parties should send a copy of their comments by email to carolyn.pinsky@crtc.gc.ca. All submissions must be received, and not merely sent, by the time and date indicated.

Parties will not be required to file comments by 28 April 2004 as set out in paragraph 33 of PN 2004-2. The Commission will issue as soon as possible its determinations regarding any modifications to the process set out in Public Notice 2004-2. 


Yours sincerely,


Shirley Soehn
Executive Director
Telecommunications

c.c. Parties to PN 2004-2
      Parties to PN 2001-37
      C. Pinsky, CRTC, 604-666-3644

Date modified: 2004-04-16