This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS OTTAWA 000800
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EB/CIP TFINTON
DEPT PASS USTR FOR KSHAGRIN AND JMCHALE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECPS ETRD
SUBJECT: 1377 REVIEW: CANADA CONSIDERING RESPONSE TO ISP
APPLICATION
REF: STATE 50683
1. Econoff contacted CRTC Executive Director for
Telecommunications Shirley Soehn to solicit information on
how Canada planned to address the issues raised Reftel.
Soehn noted that the CRTC received an Application from the
Canadian Association of Internet Providers (CAIP) regarding
the "anti-competitive provision of high-speed access and
retail Internet services, including 'lite' service, by
incumbent cable and telephone carriers." Soehn stated that
ISP's already have non-discriminatory access to cable
infrastructure at wholesale rates set by the CRTC and that it
was not a requirement that CRTC address this issue of access
to "lite" Internet service. However, the CRTC is currently
reviewing the application and follow-on submissions and would
be making a recommendation to the CRTC Commissioner. Soehn
did not provide a time-frame for a conclusion of the
proceedings on CAIP's application. Details on the various
submissions can be found on the CRTC web site at:
www.crtc.gc.ca/PartVII/end/2002/8622/c51-03.h tm.
2. Soehn commented that she was surprised that this issue had
been raised in the context of USTR's annual 1377 review given
that "Canadian regulations go well beyond those in the U.S."
in providing ISP's with access to incumbent's high speed
Internet networks.
KELLY