The incumbents have been busy on the regulatory front. Bell Canada appealed CRTC Decision 2003-63, which ordered the telco to spell out certain contracts. Bell said the decision could compromise customers by exposing their details to the public and, by extension, their competitors. All of the incumbents called on the CRTC to provide more info on proposed price floor safeguards, which, if changed, could raise local service prices. Most recently Bell asked the CRTC to clarify rules surrounding VoIP service providers. No one knows how the Commission will regulate these firms.
Teleglobe takes stock
Montreal-based long-haul communications firm Teleglobe International Holdings Ltd. plans to acquire wholesale VoIP provider Internet Telephony Exchange Carrier Corp. (ITXC) in an all-stock transaction. Expected to close next March, the deal could give Teleglobe a leg up in the stock market, said IDC Canada analyst Lawrence Surtees. By acquiring ITXC Teleglobe also acquires a listing on the NASDAQ stock exchange, as well as customers and a hand in the developing VoIP market, he said. Teleglobe said the agreement would accelerate its plans to offer next-generation services. Teleglobe underwent financial restructuring in 2002.
MTS spells IP
Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. (MTS) says it has attained IP Telephony Technology Specialization status from network gear maker Cisco Systems Inc. In a statement the Winnipeg-based telco said the designation recognizes MTS’ ability to plan, design, implement and operate Cisco IP telephony platforms. MTS said the status puts it on the cutting edge of telephone technology, and helps the firm offer advanced telephony platforms to Manitoba business customers. Cisco is battling a host of network vendors for control of the IP telephony space, including 3Com Corp., Nortel Networks and Avaya Inc.