Bell says "let the competitors build to the node" for wholesale high-speed access

By Perry Hoffman

OTTAWA - Bell Canada threw a new wrinkle into the CRTC proceeding on wholesale access to certain next-generation high-speed services by proposing a solution that it says will encourage investment in networks, while also giving competitors access to incumbent facilities. Testifying before the CRTC on Monday as part of Telecom Notice of Consultation 2009-261, the company said that it would give competitors access to sub-loops (smaller versions unbundled local loops) that would enable those competitors to offer high-speed services, but also encourage investment in network facilities by both incumbent telcos and competitors. “Imposing access to sub-loops would rely on market...