Consumers eye new options as CRTC-mandated trimmed down TV takes effect

The CRTC-mandated skinny cable and satellite packages that providers had to offer by March 1, can not cost more than $25 per month.

What’s contained in the so-called “skinny basic” packages depends on the company.

But while the service providers don’t have to include US networks, some are offering them. Western Canada-based Shaw Cable’s “Limited TV” features 40 channels, and also includes programming from ABC, NBC, Fox and PBS.

What’s a basic cable package?

Providers don’t have to include US networks, but some are.

Now they are required to offer channels either individually or in small packages of up to 10 channels.

You’ll also be able to add individual channels or bundles to the so-called “skinny basic” service. The era of pick-and-pay TV underpinned by affordable entry-level packages was ordered by the CRTC, the country’s TV regulator, to discourage cord-cutting and cord shaving as Canadians increasingly embrace Netflix Canada and other digital options.

“For me, it’s just I’m not home enough to justify the expense (of the bigger TV pack)”, said the trucker from Humboldt, Sask.

“We don’t think people should be forced to buy bundled television channels when they’re not interested in watching those channels and those shows”, Industry Minister James Moore said in an interview previous year. News fans can add theme channel packs for $5, which will give them CTV News, CP24 and BNN.

Initially, some consumers who don’t watch a lot of TV will benefit, says Friends spokesman Ian Morrison.

But whether some channels go off the air is of little concern to Mike Cleaver. In the long term, the choice will be less because some channels that will not be funded through subscription fees disappear. But what do “skinny” cable packages and Pick and Pay options mean for you?

Though consumers may appreciate having the ability to choose only the channels they like, it could get pricey depending on how many channels they want.

When he launched the new pick-and-pay model past year, CRTC chairman Jean-Pierre Blais acknowledged that many consumers would likely not see any cost savings from the new measure.

TV viewers wanting to make the switch can visit the websites of cable providers to determine what packages, a-la-carte channel and bundle options most appeal to their needs.

Although it may be true to some degree when you consider how much viewership American network programming brings in both nationally and internationally, it’s an interesting move when you consider how the second aspect of the new “skinny” packages work.