Telus and Bell Clash Over Fibre Access
The ongoing dispute between telecom giants Bell and Telus is intensifying as both companies take legal action against each other. On July 28, Telus submitted a statement of defense along with a counterclaim in response to a lawsuit filed by Bell in June. In its original complaint, Bell accused Telus of training its sales staff to promote an unlicensed internet protocol television (IPTV) service in Ontario and Quebec, where it sources internet services from Bell.
Bell's allegations claimed that the sales team was instructed to “endorse the illegal Pirated TV Service” and use these tactics to lure customers away from legitimate providers like itself. The company is seeking damages that could reach up to $35 million.
Telus Denies Wrongdoing
In reaction, Telus firmly denied all accusations made by Bell and launched a counterclaim alleging “anti-competitive acts” on Bell’s part. The company stated that it does not train or authorize its salespeople to promote illegal services nor does it attempt to attract customers from Bell using such methods. While acknowledging that some self-reliant agents may have acted improperly, Telus emphasized that they do not condone such behavior and have taken steps against those agents.
Moreover, Telus issued warnings about their strict policy against promoting illegal services, reinforcing their commitment through interaction with their sales teams about maintaining ethical practices.
Bell's Lawsuit Criticized
Telus characterized the lawsuit from Bell as “frivolous,” claiming it serves only as an attempt to disrupt regulatory processes aimed at ensuring fair competition within the industry. They argue this legal action is designed specifically to undermine the CRTC’s mandate regarding wholesale fibre access.
the counterclaims also highlight what Telus describes as predatory pricing strategies employed by Bell—tactics intended to entice customers away from them through aggressive marketing techniques while simultaneously hindering Telus’ ability to connect new clients effectively. According to their claims, these actions have led some customers in Ontario and Quebec to terminate contracts with them due solely as of these competitive pressures.
The Financial Stakes
A striking detail revealed in Telus' filings indicates they pay $73 for each subscriber accessing wholesale fibre services provided by Bell.Additionally, they incur costs for every installation visit made for customer service setups; however, specific figures regarding installation fees were not disclosed at this time. Currently, consumers can subscribe for $100 per month for one home internet plan offered by Telus in Ontario.
A Longstanding Rivalry Intensifies
This latest chapter adds fuel to an already heated rivalry between these two telecommunications powerhouses over CRTC regulations concerning wholesale fibre access—a topic they've been contesting vigorously over recent months.At stake is whether established companies can utilize this program effectively while reselling services without facing undue restrictions or penalties imposed by competitors like themselves.
Interestingly enough, while most telecom providers oppose this ruling fiercely—including Cogeco and eastlink who are pursuing court appeals—Telus has embraced it wholeheartedly as part of its strategy moving forward into new markets across Ontario and Quebec using infrastructure originally built out by none other than…Bell!
The Irony of Competition Claims
Bells’ vocal opposition includes launching marketing campaigns aimed at discrediting regulatory decisions perceived detrimental towards infrastructure advancement efforts on their end; ironically though—as they cut back investments—Telux has announced plans worth billions dedicated towards expanding fiber networks throughout both provinces! This contradiction raises eyebrows among observers who question how genuine claims about increasing competition truly are when comparing offerings available today: notably—their single internet plan mirrors features found within Bells’ own 1.5Gbps package without any significant differentiation whatsoever!
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