Let's Talk TV: Independent Cable Service Providers Support Unbundling

Let's Talk TV: Independent Cable Service Providers Support Unbundling

OTTAWA, March 19, 2015 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cable Systems Alliance (CCSA) applauds the CRTC's recent announcement ordering the unbundling of services offered by the large, vertically-integrated communications companies. CCSA commends the CRTC for strengthening its vertical integration policy and focusing regulation on the players with market power.

"This increased flexibility is good for consumers, giving them the ability to choose the programming they want in a way that fits their household's needs and budget. Unbundling the television services offered by the major media companies will help locally-based broadcasting distributors to deliver better service to customers both in the major urban and in smaller markets throughout Canada. We expect this new framework to promote fair competition that will enable our member companies to continue to serve their communities well in the future," commented CCSA President Alyson Townsend.

"We congratulate the federal government for its commitment to fair and equal access to communications services in non-urban regions of the country. We appreciate the CRTC's efforts to give the industry's independent players the tools they need to negotiate fair wholesale contracts with the major vertically-integrated companies," continued Townsend.

CCSA also commends the CRTC for its expanded de-regulation of independent broadcasting distributors, a change that will reduce costs and the regulatory burden on additional small cable and telephone companies. Less regulation for smaller players will give them more flexibility to serve customers and promote a more competitive industry in Canada overall.

"In order for our member companies to provide more choice and flexibility to our consumers, we require more choice and flexibility in our wholesale arrangements with the large programming suppliers. Today's announcements provide small and medium sized distributors with the much-needed flexibility and clear guidelines that should allow us to compete fairly with the vertically integrated companies and ultimately provide better service to Canadian customers in all parts of the country."

About CCSA
CCSA represents more than 115 independent and highly resourceful cable, telephone and Internet companies that serve over 700,000 Canadians in communities in all provinces and territories, including many isolated communities across the North. CCSA membership includes television distribution companies operated by many small, family-owned companies, a large number of First Nations and more than 20 not-for-profit community cooperatives.



SOURCE Canadian Cable Systems Alliance Inc.

Canadian Cable Systems Alliance Inc.

CONTACT: Alyson Townsend, President & C.E.O., 506.849.1334, ext. 203, atownsend@ccsa.cable.ca; Chris Edwards, V.P. Corp. & Regulatory, 506.849.1334, ext. 211, cedwards@ccsa.cable.ca; Harris Boyd, Regulatory Consultant, 613.421.3597, harrisboyd@rogers.com

Web Site: http://www.ccsa.cable.ca


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