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CRTC Bans Cellphone Unlocking Fees, Clarifies Rules for So-Called Family Plans

June 15, 2017 01:10 PM in The Canadian Press • 0 Comments

By Terry Pedwell, The Canadian Press

OTTAWA – Cellphone companies will soon no longer be allowed to charge customers to unlock their devices, Canada’s telecom regulator said Thursday as it unveiled sweeping changes to the wireless code of conduct.

The new code from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission also says as of Dec. 1, all newly purchased devices must be sold unlocked — one of several other changes aimed at giving people more control over their wireless services.

A Tale of Two Canadas: How Cell Phone Coverage Varies

March 4, 2017 08:16 AM in Columns • 0 Comments

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson, myWestman

NEEPAWA, Man. — Did you know that Canadian cell phone users have one of the fastest mobile networks in the world? Neither did I, because I’m usually struggling to find more than three bars of service.

Last month, Open Signal released their annual State of Mobile Networks report, which found that Canada had the 11th fastest network in the world — faster than the U.S. and the U.K., faster in fact than many European countries. Open Signal is an application that users download to help them find networks, towers and improve their connection. It also monitors their usage, and then aggregates that information for reports on characteristics like network speeds and WiFi usage. The speed reported is an average of all of the mobile data connections a user experiences, which also means it effectively measures how much of the users’ networks have been upgraded to the faster 4G technology. The end result is a more accurate picture of real-life network performance.

Connecting Canadians an Essential Service

January 7, 2017 08:06 AM in Columns • 0 Comments

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson, myWestman

NEEPAWA, Man. — Rural Canadians got some good news just before Christmas — better broadband coverage is coming. On December 21, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced that broadband Internet is now considered a basic service. The move puts high-speed internet into the same category as landline telephones.

The change came following a year and half of public consultations and resulted in new targets for service under sub-section 46.5(1) of the Telecommunications Act. The new targets apply to both fixed and mobile broadband services. For fixed broadband services, the target is access to an unlimited data option as well as minimum speeds of 50 megabits per second for download and 10 megabits per second for upload. For mobile broadband services, the target is access to the latest mobile wireless technology, not only in homes and businesses, but also along major Canadian transportation corridors.

CRTC Clears the Way for MTS-Bell Deal

December 20, 2016 11:29 AM in News • 0 Comments

WINNIPEG — The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has approved the deal that will see Bell Canada take over MTS.

The CRTC’s decision is the first of three regulatory approvals required to complete the closing of BCE’s acquisition of MTS.

“We are pleased to receive the CRTC’s decision and will continue to work with Bell to obtain the two remaining regulatory approvals,” said MTS president and CEO Jay Forbes.

No Evidence to Warrant Funding Transfer from Community to Local TV, Says Group

September 6, 2016 04:37 PM in The Canadian Press • 0 Comments

By The Canadian Press

Televisions — A man walks by ultra high definition TVs at CES International, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, in Las Vegas. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/John Locher)

OTTAWA – Canada’s community TV stations want their money back.

The Canadian Association of Community Television Users and Stations has asked the country’s broadcast regulator to reconsider a decision to transfer funding to private broadcasters from community TV.

FAB 94.3, QX 104 Sold to Kamloops Broadcaster

May 16, 2013 12:02 PM in News • 0 Comments

QX 104 - FAB 94.3

Two Winnipeg radio stations have been acquired by the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, pending CRTC approval.

FAB 94.3 (Bell Media) and QX 104 (Astral) are part of a deal announced Thursday by the broadcaster, which also includes the purchase of Calgary’s Kool FM.

“This is a very important acquisition for our Broadcast Group and, with the approval of this transaction from the CRTC, we will expand our presence in the major markets of Calgary and Winnipeg, which we have been focusing on for some time,” said Rick Arnish, chairman of Kamloops-based Jim Pattison Broadcast Group in a release.

CJNU Granted More Powerful Broadcasting Licence

February 20, 2013 04:39 PM in News • 0 Comments

Radio Studio CJNU Nostalgia Radio has been granted a full-time broadcasting license by the CRTC.

The licence will see the Winnipeg radio station move to 93.7 FM from its current frequency, 107.9 FM. The move also increases the transmission power from 50 watts to just under 500 watts.

“Our approach to programming will not change, and we will continue to support local non-profit organizations by broadcasting live from different locations such as the Variety Club of Manitoba who are the CJNU host sponsor for the month of February,” said Ross Thompson, chair of CJNU’s board.

The new licence will allow the station to stay on the air all month long, including the one day it was required to go dark under Industry Canada regulations.

The CJNU transmitter will continue to be located at the top of 55 Nassau Street to broadcast to its 20,000 weekly listeners.

CJNU will switch to its new frequency in either late August or early September.

CRTC Requests More Feedback on Wireless Draft Code

January 29, 2013 07:05 AM in News • 0 Comments

CRTC The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is asking Canadians for feedback after unveiling its draft code for wireless services on Monday.

In a second round of public consultations, the CRTC is requesting additional feedback on creating a national code for wireless services, such as cellphones and other personal mobile devices.

More than 3,500 comments were submitted in writing, with another 600 online, when the federal broadcast regulator asked for input previously. Some of the feedback included calls for a clearer understanding of wireless services and fees, and the ability to unlock cellphones on reasonable terms.

Canadians also shared that a set a cap on additional fees, such as those incurred from long-distance calls, usage of voice minutes, text messages, data usage and roaming should be implemented, as well as better online tools to monitor usage and any additional fees.

Comments can be submitted online until February 15, 2013 at 7 p.m. CT.

Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing in Effect for Manitoba on Saturday

October 17, 2012 08:38 AM in News • 0 Comments

Mandatory 10-digit dialing will go into effect in Manitoba this Saturday, October 20.

All local calls will need to be preceded by the area code. The Telecommunications Alliance has been handling a three-month transition period, which will end this weekend.

Since July, local calls made using seven digits were interrupted by a recorded announcement before the call went through.

“We are pleased with the participation rates among Manitoba residents,” said Glenn Pilley, spokesperson for the Canadian Numbering Administrator. “However, we must highlight the need for callers to ensure that all numbers stored in communication systems and devices — particularly in alarm systems, Internet connections, building intercoms, and call forwarding devices — have been programmed for 10-digit dialing.”

Starting November 3, the new area code 431 will be introduced in Manitoba.

10-Digit Dialing Begins in Manitoba on Sunday

July 25, 2012 09:30 AM in News • 0 Comments

The transition to 10-digit dialing to accomodate Manitoba’s new area code (431) will begin on Sunday, July 29.

Starting this weekend, local calls dialed with seven digits may be interrupted by a network message reminding callers to first enter the area code. Calls will continue to be connected until October 20, 2012, after which time seven-digit local calls will not be completed.

“If they have not already done so, residents and businesses are urged to add the area code 204 to programmed numbers in all of their telecommunications devices (e.g., phones, fax machines, computers),” said Glenn Pilley, spokesperson for the Canadian Numbering Administrator.

“They must also include their 10-digit phone numbers on cheques, advertising, and stationery; and update their employee, client, supplier, and other databases.”

To supplement the already existing 204 area code, 431 will be gradually introduced as of November 3.

Special numbers like 911, 411, 311, etc. will still be dialed using three digits.

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