CCSA criticizes government's forbearance order that dropped winback restrictions

QUISPAMSIS, NB – While pleased the government altered the final telecom deregulation order last Wednesday so that small cable operators will get an 18-month head start if and when they decide to enter the local phone market, the Canadian Cable Systems Alliance blasted its decision to drop the winback restrictions. The alliance, which represents more than 90 small cablecos across the country, said it “remains deeply disappointed” at the immediate removal of the 90-day winback restrictions. When the order is gazetted on April 18, large incumbent phone companies will be allowed to try to “win back” telephony customers with lucrative offers...