OTTAWA-HULL — The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced today that it is initiating a proceeding to implement long distance competition in O.N.Tel’s territory.

CRTC Vice-Chairman of telecommunications, David Colville, stated "The Canadian public wants and needs choice in products, services, price and vendors. We recognize that competition among vendors is the best way to stimulate innovation in new products, new services, and new price offerings. This is what is driving technology and competition."

O.N.Tel offers long distance telephone service for its local exchanges and those currently served by Northern Telephone Limited, Abitibi-Consolidated and Cochrane Public Utilities Commission. The purpose of this proceeding is to consider long distance issues which are relevant to subscribers living in O.N.Tel’s operating territory.

Among other things, the CRTC is inviting the public to comment on:

• The appropriate terms and conditions necessary for long distance competition in O.N.Tel’s territory;
• The appropriateness of the current regulatory framework for O.N. Tel; and
• The expansion of local free calling areas.

In its decision "Telephone Service to High-Cost Serving Areas", issued in October 1999, the Commission indicated that it would initiate a public proceeding to consider, among others, the terms and conditions specific to long distance competition in O.N.Tel’s territory.

Interested parties wishing to participate in this proceeding are asked to refer to Public Notice CRTC 2000-107 issued today. The Commission’s determination will be made public in the first half of 2001.

Reference document: Public Notice CRTC 2000-107

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Copies of today’s documents are available through our Internet site ( http://www.crtc.gc.ca ) or by contacting the public examination room of any CRTC office. These documents are available in alternative format upon request.