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CRTC outlines options for distribution of digital channels

While the CRTC has released a broad framework for the licensing of over-the-air digital TV (DTV) signals, it has not yet decided how they should be distributed. On June 12 in conjunction with the release of the licensing framework, the CRTC issued a proposed policy for the distribution of digital channels once they are licensed – Broadcasting Public Notice 2002-32.

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CRTC digital TV licensing framework called good first step toward digital conversion

Michael McEwen sees the CRTC’s regulatory framework for the transition to over-the-air digital television (DTV) as a step in the right direction in rolling out the new technology. Unlike in the United States, the commission has not set a deadline for the transition, preferring instead to let broadcaster investment and consumer demand dictate the speed of the rollout.

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RFI says it has right to launch in Canada, despite ongoing CRTC process

Radio France Internationale (RFI) launched this week on digital cable in the Quebec market despite the fact the CRTC announced last year that it was deferring authorizing foreign audio programming services for distribution in Canada. The commission said it would first finalize a licensing framework for Canadian specialty audio services before looking at foreign radio offerings. That process is still ongoing, leading to some confusion about whether RFI is breaching CRTC rules.

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French-language European TV channels expected to drive digital cable in Quebec

Lagging digital penetration in Quebec is expected to get a shot in the arm with the launch of three new French-language European television channels this week. The move means foreign channels will get a head start for audience share on licensed Canadian French-language digital specialty channels, which have delayed launching until there is a larger base of digital TV subscribers. Digital growth in the province has been slower than in other parts of the country, some people say due to a lack of digital choices suitable to the French-language market.

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CNM Update

Bill C-48 passes in House, Senate to examine bill this fall
Controversial Bill C-48, amended by the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage to include an express Internet carve-out, passed third reading yesterday in the House of Commons (CNM Special Update, June 18/02). The Senate won’t approve the bill until this fall when Royal Assent will make the legislation official. Parliamentarians amended the bill to specifically prevent Internet companies that take advantage of the CRTC’s new media exemption order from benefiting from a compulsory licence to retransmit over-the-air programming via the Internet subject only to a tariff. Section 31 of the Copyright Act will stand as is until Royal Assent is given, meaning the same grey area in the law that JumpTV.com Canada Inc. and iCraveTV.com identified as a loophole to begin retransmitting signals on their web sites remains for the time being. There is no indication that Jump intends to do so, however. The possibility remains that JumpTV will ask the CRTC for a broadcast licence outside of the exemption order, something not dealt with by the new legislation (CNM, June 14/02). Canadian NEW MEDIA will have more details in its next issue.

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RoW Update

Illegal satellite descrambling cards cause interference to public safety radiocommunications
The radio communications networks of law enforcement agencies and emergency response organizations are being interfered with by certain devices used to provide unauthorized access to direct-to-home (DTH) satellite TV signals, Industry Canada has determined. The department began an investigation into the interference issues after receiving several complaints from public safety organizations in Canada. It concluded that illegal AVR cards, used to bypass DTH companies' conditional access systems, were causing the interference and subsequently made a Determination of Interference. DTH operators use conditional access systems to protect their transmissions from unauthorized reception.
"These analyses have demonstrated that certain devices used to defeat conditional access systems of DTH broadcast satellite receivers, when used in conjunction with such receivers, cause the emission of radio frequency signals of sufficient strength that interference is caused or is likely to be caused to radiocommunication, including that used for law enforcement and search and rescue," notes Notice No. DGRB-002-02.
Industry Canada will now send out notices to persons or companies that make
these illegal devices available. Failure to comply with the notice can mean serious fines and/or jail time for offenders. Individuals can be fined up to $5,000 and/or be sentenced to one year in jail, and corporations can receive a $25,000 fine. The Radiocommunication Act also allows for a person to be convicted for a separate offence for each day on which the offence is committed or continued. More details.

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NL Editorial

The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Decima Reports.

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To Sea and Back: 10 Years After, Where Are We Now?

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NL People

Ursula Menke has left the CRTC as Secretary General, to become deputy commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard. Diane Rhéaume is acting Secretary General.

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NL Short Takes

AT&T may appeal price cap ruling, McLennan tells AGM
At the annual general meeting of AT&T Canada Corp., vice-chair/CEO John McLennan said the company was considering its options in regards to the recent price cap ruling of the CRTC. He said there is "the strong possibility of an appeal." The telco predicts its 2002 EBITDA will be higher than its 2001 level of $121 million.

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