Nortel advocates strong Canadian telecom policy

Nortel submitted a report to Canada’s Telecommunications Policy Review Panel pushing for the country’s Minister of Industry to establish regulations that recognize the multiple changing dynamics of the industry.

The panel, established in April, is designed to conduct a review of Canada's telecom policy and regulatory framework, and is receiving comments from carriers, vendors, associations and others. Nortel’s submission includes 15 recommendations ranging from the structure of the regulatory bodies to how wireless spectrum should be handled.

The recommendations came in response to specific questions identified by the panel in its Consultation Paper issued in June. Central to Nortel's recommendations is the creation and implementation of a national Information and Communications Technology (ICT) strategy led by the Prime Minister and Cabinet. That ICT strategy should be focused on “a holistic and coordinated approach to strengthening Canada's international competitiveness.”

Among the specific recommendations, Nortel said regulation must consider that consumers have an increasing desire for mobility and the use of multiple devices to fulfill their communications needs.

“Given the consumer appetite for mobility and desire to use multiple appliances, it is more appropriate to move beyond the fixed network mindset and expect that “any pipe” will have multiple access points,” the vendor wrote. “This approach also provides the maximum convenience and simplicity of use for consumers, and facilitates security by shifting it to the identity (individual) level instead of the network port level. Indeed, the move to dual-mode cellular handsets, which use a combination of licensed and unlicensed spectrum, is a clear indication that technology is enabling different networks to be leveraged to deliver any service. “

Additionally, Nortel recommended a review of tax incentives for innovation and productivity, changes to wireless spectrum management, an increased focus on the protection of intellectual property rights, a government procurement policy that ensures governments are showcase users of Canadian ICT, a lead role in the development of global standards, and support for a broadband development program, especially in rural and remote areas.