CRTC announces forbearance regs for SILECs

OTTAWA - The CRTC has set out the framework for forbearance from regulation of retail local exchange services that will apply in the serving territories of the small incumbent local exchange carriers (SILECs). This framework is based on the local forbearance framework established for incumbent local exchange carriers, but with modifications to the requirements regarding the competitor presence test, the 18-month grace period for certain competitors, and competitor quality of service reporting. The Commission also decided that SILECs who are required to join the independent telco consumer agency the Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services Inc., must become members prior...