TORONTO – FreeHD Canada received CRTC approval Monday to provide national direct-to-home satellite TV and wholesale programming satellite distribution (SRDU) services in Canada.
However, the Commission declined to rule on certain parts of FreeHD Canada’s application – such as its request for a free local program package and exemption from LPIF contributions, until it has issued policy on all matters related to Canada’s upcoming digital transition.
“…the Commission notes that specific issues related to the digital transition, and, in particular, possible alternatives to free conventional television signals in those markets where broadcasters do not construct digital facilities, are under consideration in the policy proceeding announced in Broadcasting Notice of Consultation 2009-411", reads the CRTC’s decision. “Accordingly, the Commission considers it premature to grant the applicant’s specific requests pertaining to the provision of a free local program package, including its related request for relief from Local Programming Improvement Fund contributions.”
FreeHD Canada said that it expects to commence operations in the second quarter of 2011, just before Canada’s digital transition takes place on August 31st.
“FreeHD Canada is pleased that the CRTC has licenced us so quickly – a testimony to the Commission’s desire to promote a competitive marketplace that will benefit Canadian consumers,” said FreeHD Canada chairman and CEO David Lewis, in a statement. “We look forward to implementing our plan to provide Canadians with a superior entertainment experience of the best TV at the best price – and launching our service in time to assist consumers and broadcasters with the 2011 digital transition and migration to HDTV.”
As reported by Cartt.ca, FreeHD Canada plans to offer more than 250 HD channels, including Canadian local television stations in HD to consumers in their local markets, on its small dish satellite TV service via spot beam technology and MPEG 4 compression.
www.freehdcanada.ca
www.crtc.gc.ca
