Industry critics – and two commissioners – question need for new $60 million local news fund

A few days after the release of a new policy governing BDUs and discretionary programming services, stakeholders in the broadcast industry have started to ask tough questions about a key proposal designed to boost local programming in small markets. The new fund has also come under fire by two CRTC commissioners, with one warning that such a subsidy will transform industry newsrooms into "permanent wards of the state".

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Cablecos anticipate tough negotiations with broadcasters in wake of CRTC framework decision

Last Thursday’s landmark CRTC ruling on television carriage is winning praise from both large and small broadcast distributors, but the battle isn’t over yet. Cable and satellite TV providers now have to sit down with disgruntled broadcasters to decide on a fair price for carrying distant television signals.

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Look launches mobile WiMAX trial

Look Communications Inc., a wireless cable and high-speed Internet provider, has started a trial of mobile WiMAX broadband services in Milton ON. The company will use equipment from Motorola Inc. and will offer a wide variety of mobile services such as high quality broadcast television, high-speed Internet and VoIP.

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Bell launches mobile content filtering service

Bell Mobility and Solo Mobile – the two wireless brands for Bell Canada – have introduced a new mobile content filtering service that is designed to prevent youngsters from visiting website that may contain inappropriate content. Bell Parental Control, which costs $ per month, will enable parents to limit access to websites they feel offer content that is inappropriate for their children to see.

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Bell giving smartphone users new tools

Bell Mobility smartphone subscribers are soon going to get an improved user experience. The company has announced that it will soon introduce a new user interface that places all data services and popular features on the main screen of smartphones using the Windows Mobile operating system. The HTC Touch Diamond will be the first device to get the new user interface.

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Alcatel-Lucent names new Americas head

Robert Vrij, an executive with more than 15 years of senior management experience, take over as head of the Americas Region for Alcatel-Lucent, the company announced last week. He will be responsible for overseeing the company’s sales and operations in North America, the Caribbean and Latin America. He will be a member of the management committee and will be based in Murray Hill NJ.

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