Daily News Tuesday, November 28, 2024
CRTC Approves Distribution of Satellite Radio on Digital Cable
The CRTC has approved an application, by Rogers Cable, to permit its cable BDUs in Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland/Labrador to distribute both licensed satellite subscription radio services on digital cable.Rogers currently distributes two licensed national pay audio services, Galaxie and Max Trax, on a digital basis. A joint marketing agreement offers approximately twenty channels from each of Max Trax and Galaxie services and are offered in a combined package to distributors. Rogers's digital subscribers pay a monthly digital access fee and receive Galaxie and Max Trax at no additional charge
Rogers submitted that the carriage of SIRIUS Canada and XM Canada would enhance the quality and diversity of the audio programming available on its digital cable BDUs.
Rogers further submitted that the ability to access satellite radio services by purchasing or renting a digital set-top box would motivate subscribers to make the transition from analog to digital services.