The country’s broadcast regulator says it’s clear not all Canadians like the trimmed-down TV services mandated earlier this year.
Jean Pierre Blais, chairman of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, has told the hearing examining the so-called skinny-basic services that many consumers question whether they’re getting any value for their money.
The CRTC is hearing today from the country’s four biggest TV service providers as it examines the roll-out of small basic packages that came into effect in March.
CRTC chairman Jean Pierre Blais opened the hearing saying while some appreciate the new offerings, many clearly are not satisfied with how the new package choices were implemented.
Blais quoted several consumer comments, ending with one person who complained that to get the new $25 basic service, his service provider said it would raise the price of the client’s telephone and Internet service substantially.
Bell, Rogers, Shaw and Videotron, which combined serve more than three-quarters of all TV service subscribers across the country, are scheduled to testify on the first of two days of hearings.
Videotron officials have told the hearing that their new TV offerings conform with the spirit and letter of the CRTC’s requirements and offer their customers greater choice and flexibility.
Have your say: