TV providers forced to offer reduced packages
For anyone out there who still watches traditional television, new CRTC regulated unbundling of television channels is a long awaited escape from the trappings of television service providers.
Television is better than ever with movie-quality programs playing out on specialized channels. For anyone not accessing programming at a discount rate through Netflix and the like, there is still traditional television and the big monthly bill that comes with it.
We have all been dreaming of the day we could choose the channels we want, a la carte, rather than being roped into choosing the most expensive and expansive program bundles so we can have 10 specific channels, one in each bundle of course.
Well apparently that day is here.
As of March 1, Canada’s licensed TV service providers must begin to offer new services and options for customers, says the CRTC. Specifically, the companies must introduce an affordable basic package that costs no more than $25 per month. As well, the companies must introduce either the option to pay for individual channels or small packages of no more than 10 channels.
The change is a result of consumer complaints.
During the CRTC’s “Let’s Talk TV conversation”, many Canadians said that the price of basic cable, satellite and other TV services was too high. The CRTC took those comments into consideration as it made changes to the way TV channels are delivered. “Canadians can now choose the TV services that meet their needs, realities and budgets.”
The sad “reality” is that we “need” to see the next seasons of our favourite shows and we blew the whole “budget” on the cell phone bill.
Cable-providers have done a marvelous job of sourcing out programming, with many channels having a signature show or two to keep us hooked. So while browsing the a la carte channel menu, we will want a little bit of everything, hardly shrinking the bill at all. There is just too much to choose from.
Television has improved to the point that it is habit-forming. The practice of binge-watching, that loathsome act that leaves one questioning their life choices… was that a thing when people recorded shows on VCRs?
Also of note, the CRTC has made it so Canadians no longer have to give 30 days notice to cancel services, making it easier to switch service providers and take advantage of a more competitive marketplace. That may help people go cold turkey and just give up television all together, which is probably for the best.
