N.S. Pushes CRTC for Local Hearing on Phone Rates

TECHNOLOGY/SCIENCE SECRETARIAT--N.S. Pushes CRTC for Local Hearing on Phone Rates

The government of Nova Scotia has petitioned the Canadian Radio- television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to follow its central hearing in Hull, Que., with regional hearings in Atlantic Canada. The Oct. 1 hearing could result in higher basic telephone rates for Nova Scotia's rural phone customers.

Jane Purves, Minister responsible for the Technology and Science Secretariat, made the request last week in a letter to commission chairman David Colville, who is also the Atlantic Regional Commissioner for the regulatory body.

The minister said that scheduling a regional process after the central hearing will allow for genuine public participation without disrupting the main schedule. Many Atlantic Canadians have expressed strong views on both issues -- phone rates and the central hearings -- over the past few months. But, the minister said, the one day allowed for public submissions in Hull on Oct. 1, and the logistics involved in appearing, prevent true public input.

The province is registered as a participant at the hearing.

"The province will tell the CRTC that Nova Scotia's position, outlined by the premier on August 24, remains clear," Ms. Purves said. "There should only be one basic telephone rate for Nova Scotians."

Nova Scotia will argue that the regulatory environment should maintain the current balance that exists between rural and urban phone subscribers in the province.

The concern continues to be that a changed regulatory environment could unfairly disadvantage rural residents, at the same time that governments are trying to level the rural/urban playing field, particularly when it comes to technology.

A recent proposal from Aliant Telecom, related to the CRTC proceeding, would increase basic phone rates for all subscribers in Atlantic Canada, but rural customers would pay more.