Last year, we wrote a number of posts discussing ongoing
proceedings addressing the pole attachment fees being charged to
cable and telecommunications Carriers (see
here,
here and
here). At issue was whether the methodology for determining
these fees, and the amounts of the fees, should be updated from the
level that was set in 2005. Generally speaking, distributors
support raising the rates (as seen in the Toronto Hydro, Hydro One
and Hydro Ottawa rate applications) and Carriers object to the
magnitude of the increases being sought.
Now, as promised in a Decision in the Hydro Ottawa rate proceeding,
the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has begun a process to determine the
approach to be used to set wireline pole attachment fees across
Ontario. In a November 2015 letter, the OEB initiated a
"comprehensive policy review" of miscellaneous rates and
charges. The OEB indicated that the first component of the review
will address wireline pole attachment fees.
