The major phone and cable companies are suggesting that Open Media is trying to collect twice for one set of bills.
On September 1, CIPPIC filed a costs application on behalf of Open Media, seeking compensation for its participation in the usage based billing proceeding. But, as Bell pointed out in its reply to the costs application, Open Media had raised funds specifically for this regulatory proceeding. Not only did Open Media have a very visible fundraising campaign, but they received substantial matching financial support from independent ISPs Acanac and Teksavvy.
The CRTC guidelines are pretty clear on this point [see para. 44 of TRP 2010-963]:
In the event that an applicant has received or will receive financial assistance in connection with its participation, then the amount of allowable costs shall be reduced by that amount
Cost awards end up raising prices for all consumers. How would you judge this application?