CRTC: Affordable Television to Begin March 2016

On February 17, 2016, the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) issued an information bulletin reminding telecommunication companies that they must promote the new mandated affordable television options. As of March 1, 2016, Canadians will now have the option to subscribe to a basic “skinny” cable priced at no more than $25 per month, in addition to subscribing to channels on an individual “pick-and-pay” basis, or small bundles of channels.

Staring March 2016, telecommunication companies must offer channels either individually or in packages of up to 10 channels. As of December 2016, companies must offer channels both individually and in packages of up to 10 channels. Other changes include banning simultaneous substitution for the Super Bowl beginning in 2017, which will allow Canadians to watch American Super Bowl commercials.

In March of 2015, the CRTC unveiled its plan to modernize Canada’s telecommunications system based on the Let’s Talk TV decision, intended to provide Canadian viewers with affordable entry-level television services.  The decision has led to the development of three important initiatives for the CRTC: (i) to encourage the creation of compelling and diverse programming; (ii) to foster choice and flexibility in selecting programming services; and (iii) to empower Canadians to make informed choices with recourse mechanisms in case of disputes.