A loose association of satellite and broadcasting interests is hoping that the federal Cabinet will overturn the CRTC’s new contribution regime that has broadcasters indirectly subsidizing local telephone service in rural and remote regions of Canada. On Aug. 29, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, the Canadian Satellite Users’ Association and Star Choice Television Network Inc. – with Telesat Canada’s backing – filed a petition to the governor-in-council requesting that all broadcasting-related revenue be exempted as non-telecommunications services revenue. An attempt by Telesat – with the support of broadcasters – to be exempted from the decision was denied earlier this year (RoW, June 11/01).

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