Over the weekend I was talking to somebody who mentioned that she was thinking about getting TV at her house again, but didn’t want to go through Rogers or Bell for it. She asked what other options were available around here, at which point I realized that I basically had no idea. Then it hit me that if I, as one who pays attention to these sorts of things doesn’t know what’s out there, most other people aren’t going to know either, and that’s not good. The CRTC seems to have realized this as well, and is now taking steps to help solve that problem.
In a dynamic communications marketplace, Canadians have choices in innovative communications service providers. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission is helping Canadians find the providers that best meet their needs with a new tool on its website.
Through the new Communication Service Providers in Canada online tool, Canadians will be able to search for phone, mobile, Internet and television services available in their area. Users can also access helpful details such as how different kinds of providers work, and learn about the types of communication technologies they use.
This new online tool includes practical tips to help Canadians make the most of communication services available to them. It also includes facts about switching providers and links to third-party websites that rate and compare the quality and value of communication packages.
The CRTC is unveiling this new online tool 10 days before significant changes come into effect for Canada’s television service providers. Starting March 1, 2016, Canadian TV service providers such as cable and satellite companies must offer a new affordable basic package that costs no more than $25 per month, not including rental equipment. Service providers also must offer either a selection of small channel bundles or give viewers the ability to select individual channels. Service providers must offer both small bundles and pick-and-pay by December 1, 2016.
“During our consultations with Canadians, we have heard repeatedly that consumers crave choice and affordability when it comes to choosing communication services. We listened to what Canadians told us and many of our recent decisions have an important common thread: choice and sustainable competition. We know this is how we can ensure Canadians benefit from a world-class communications system. The new online tool that we are introducing today will help Canadians select service providers that make the most sense for their needs, their budgets and their realities.”
If you don’t feel like picking through the CRTC website to find this thing, you can get there directly through this link.
And if you’re looking for pay TV services in Kitchener and don’t want to go the Bell or Rogers route, I hope you like VMedia, which according to the results I got is the only other option we have. I thought we had Eastlink here too, but apparently I’m mistaken. Thanks for setting me straight, CRTC.