OTTAWA – The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) has asked the government to cut the fees that it pays for cellular and personal communications service licences.
In response to Canada Gazette Notice DGRB-002-09 filed by Industry Canada on March 25, the CWTA has recommended a “cost-recovery fee” system, similar to that used by the FCC in the U.S.
The Association says that the current yearly spectrum licensing fees, which last year reached almost $130 million, are much higher than the government’s actual spectrum management costs. According to the CWTA submission, the government has stated its intention to impose a fee that reflects “a fair return to the Canadian public”. CWTA calls the cost-recovery model “a legitimate option” that would “provide a return to the Canadian public”.
CWTA’s proposal also suggested that Industry Canada use “standard and consistent language” in policy documents, grant longer licence terms, and drop the research and development condition of licence.
The CWTA represents cellular, PCS, messaging, mobile radio, fixed wireless and mobile satellite carriers plus the companies that develop and produce products and services for the industry.
