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Telecom - Staff Letter addressed to the Distribution List

Gatineau, 23 May 2025

Multiple References

BY EMAIL

Distribution List

Subject: Follow-up to Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2023-56 – Review of the wholesale high-speed access service framework – Supplemental Requests for Information – CNOC procedural request to harmonize Bell Aliant TN 569 (A/B/C/D) and Bell MTS TN 852 (A/B/C/D) tariff processes

Commission staff is in receipt of a letter dated 20 May 2025 from the Competitive Network Operators of Canada (CNOC) requesting the Commission to set a new harmonized deadline for parties to submit comments on the proposed tariff notices and cost study revisions filed 16 May 2025 by Bell Aliant and Bell MTS in response to Requests for Information (RFI). Specifically, CNOC is requesting a harmonized deadline of 30 days from the date the revised cost studies are posted on the Commission website, with 10 days for Bell Aliant and Bell MTS to file reply comments on the interventions.

Commission staff notes that, although not identified in the CNOC request, Bell Canada, in relation to TN 7664 (A/B/C), equally filed a cost study with proposed new rates on 16 May 2025.

Commission staff recognizes that, as per the staff letter of 15 November 2023, in relation to updates in proposed rates filed in relation to tariff notices pursuant to Telecom Notice of Consultation 2023-56:

…. there remains a strong public interest in the issuance of a timely decision in this proceeding. As a result, and in an effort to support an efficient process, effective the date of this letter, new proposed tariff and associated proposed rates will not be considered, including amendments to existing proposed rates, or submissions for new proposed rates, for consideration as part of the tariff proceedings arising out of Notice of Consultation 2023-56. Notwithstanding, revisions or amendments may be requested by Commission or Commission staff if deemed necessary and appropriate.

While Commission staff did not request the updated proposed rates filed by Bell Canada, Bell MTS, and Bell Aliant, it is understood from the letters from the companies that the revision are to correct errors discovered “as a result of the Commission's RFIs”. As such, Commission staff considers that the revisions are warranted in this exception. Notwithstanding this exception, Commission staff considers that the direction provided to companies in the 15 November 2023 letter, as it pertains to updates to tariff notices and proposed rates filed pursuant to Notice of Consultation 2023-56, remains in effect.

In the interest of developing a complete and robust factual record for this proceeding and given that parties would have had very little time to intervene to these revised cost studies and proposed rates, Commission staff is setting the following process.

Sincerely,

Original signed by

Chris Noonan
Director, Competitor Services & Costing Implementation
Telecommunications Sector

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