PIAC calls for digital broadcasting transition program

Consumer advocacy group the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) is calling for a digital television broadcasting transition program modeled on the United States’ experience. At the Aug. 31, 2011, digital television transition deadline, over-the-air, analogue television broadcasts are scheduled to be phased out and replaced by digital. Consumers will need digital equipment to receive the over-the-air digital signals. PIAC has made a submission to the CRTC that calls for a public education and equipment subsidy program to help Canadians access new digital broadcasting services. “In large part, the potential problems associated with the transition have not been a policy priority of the federal government. In the result, there is some likelihood of confusion and outcry when the transition occurs unless steps are taken quickly to prepare for the same,” PIAC’s submission says. PIAC suggests Canada should follow the experience of the United States, where television stations stopped broadcasting analog signals on June 11, 2009, and where “the transition was considered largely successful.” The American transition was aided by programs for public education and consumer awareness; financial subsidies to consumers in the form of coupons; mandatory broadcast of analog for local broadcasting and border areas beyond the June 2009 cut off deadline; and a trial transition in Wilmington, NC, in September 2008. It is estimated that about 900,000 Canadian households use antennas to receive over-the-air analog signals and do not yet have the equipment to receive digital signals. The CRTC has recommended that the government fund and coordinate a “national consumer education and awareness program” to ensure that Canadians are informed about how to access over-the-air digital broadcasts. Heritage Minister James Moore has said that many of the Canadians not prepared for the digital transition are young, tech-savvy youth who aren’t interested in receiving over-the-air, digital television signals.

PIAC calls for digital broadcasting transition program

Brief | May 7, 2010

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PIAC calls for digital broadcasting transition program

Brief | May 7, 2010

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