Bird shut out of satellite game
Industry Canada awarded a licence to Telesat Canada today to launch a new satellite into the 118.7 degree orbital slot. The decision shuts out newcomer Bird Satellite Communications Inc, the only other player vying for the space (CCR March 29/01). Bird, a $1-billion venture headed by Richard Stursberg, former president and CEO of Cancom, had applied March 15 for a licence to launch two satellites for broadcast and Internet use. Telesat proposed much the same.
In its decision, Industry Canada noted "a comparative licensing process was used to select the successful applicant and to ensure that satellite capacity and services are available to meet Canadian needs today and in the future." It said Telesat and Bird’s applications were compared on the basis of proposed coverage and capacity of Canada, the viability of their plans, and the benefits to public institutions and underserved areas.
The government also called the awarding of the licence an important step towards improving the Canadian information infrastructure.

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The new international instrument on cultural diversity (NIICD) touted by the government at the Banff Television Festival will have to gain more credibility in global trade circles if it’s to be effective (CCR, Oct. 13/00), says a senior government official.

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Small cable operators have finally won the right to purchase their TV signals from U.S. satellite providers. But a preoccupation with this fall’s digital launch means they will have to wait awhile before taking advantage of it.

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One of country’s top communications lawyers has described the CRTC as an agency lacking in vision and leadership. Peter Grant, a partner with McCarthy Tétrault, insists the regulator is essential, but says that changes are needed to ensure its effectiveness in a more competitive and technologically changing market.

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The CRTC’s interim chair says the commission’s unexpected and speedy release of a decision related to cableco ownership of analog specialty channels was meant to stave off market speculation, and had nothing to do with another leak.

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If a bill currently awaiting the reconvening of the House of Commons is passed, consumer groups would have a stronger voice at CRTC broadcast hearings, according to Andy Reddick of the Public Interest Advocacy Group.

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Any government funding given to cablecos, satellite distributors or telecommunications companies to deploy broadband would be contingent upon those companies providing third party access to their networks, according to the chair of the National Broadband Task Force.

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