To ensure Canadians have access to digital channels after the digital broadcasting transition deadline of Aug. 31, 2011, the CRTC is granting television distributors the option to offer free, local packages to viewers—but the commission estimates they would be charged about $300 for an installation.

“The local package that will be available via cable companies is a good idea, but the ‘free’ is somewhat misleading,” Gregory Taylor, an expert in broadcasting policy at McGill University, who is writing a book on digital television, told The Wire Report in an interview.

“There’s an installation charge, and it will cost people $300.”

Contact Ryan O'Neill at 613-232-5952 ext. 222 or roneill@thewirereport.ca
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