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Star Choice gets full-term licence renewal despite protests from broadcasters

The CRTC has renewed Star Choice Television Network Inc.’s licence for a full seven years despite strong opposition from broadcasters. The direct-to-home (DTH) satellite TV distributor’s licence was renewed from April 1, 2004 until Aug. 31, 2010 (Broadcasting Decision 2004-130). The CRTC found that "a full-term licence renewal would provide Star Choice with greater regulatory certainty in making future investments, particularly long-term investments in satellite capacity." Star Choice was supported in its bid for a full-term licence renewal by Telesat Canada, which stated the satellite TV distributor needed an "environment of certainty" that would enable it to invest in satellite capacity.

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CRTC opens door to partial channel carriage by satellite TV distributors

The CRTC has opened the door to satellite TV distributors using omnibus or partial channels and A/B switches to ensure the delivery of more local programming to subscribers, an approach that broadcasters oppose. It’s a development favoured by direct-to-home (DTH) satellite TV distributors Star Choice Television Network Inc. and Bell ExpressVu LP because it will allow them to provide access to more local news and other shows, while conserving satellite capacity and preventing redundant programming over numerous channels.

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ROW 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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ROW International News Briefs

New software allows voice calls using handheld computers
Skype Technologies S.A. has launched its beta version of PocketSkype, free software that enables consumers to make voice calls using their Wi-Fi-enabled Microsoft PocketPC-based handheld computer. The global P2P telephony company has developed PocketSkype, a thin version of Skype, specifically for PDA devices, making it mobile so people can make free, unlimited calls to anyone around the world. Users need a headset to use their PDA for telephony, and a PDA running MS Pocket PC 2003 OS with a 400 MHz processor.

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ROW People

Doug Wilson has been named president and COO of Sony of Canada Ltd. He is replacing Hiro Sakai, who is returning to Sony Corp. in Tokyo after eight years in Canada.

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ROW Short Takes

Government of Canada invests in wireless, modem technology
The Government of Canada will make a $9.5-million strategic investment in a research and development initiative dedicated to advancing integrated wireless messaging and modem technology. The Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) investment is part of a multi-year $33.7-million project being undertaken by Sierra Wireless Inc. to develop technologies that provide business users with productivity tools based on a new fully integrated smartphone wireless communications device.

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Pearson International goes live with new communications and IT infrastructure

Toronto’s Pearson International Airport’s new Terminal 1 was opened to the public this week and it can now expect to handle a 15% increase in travelers following the implementation of new communications and information technology infrastructure.

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EasyPark and Mint introduce park-and-pay by phone service in Vancouver

 

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Industry Canada wants beefed up walkie-talkies available in Canada later this year

 

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VoIP to affect mobile wireless, increase pressure on pricing: Merrill Lynch

 

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