OTTAWA – The CRTC has sided with Bell Media in a complaint made over the broadcaster’s alleged refusal to provide its TV services for distribution.
As Cartt.ca previously reported, upstart Internet and phone service provider Ebox complained last September that Bell Media was giving its related BDUs and other BDUs an undue preference by providing services such as TSN and RDS while refusing to provide them to Ebox.
But the Commission dismissed the complaint Monday, saying that the evidence on the public record for this proceeding suggests that Bell Media is willing to offer its programming services to Ebox.
“Notwithstanding certain statements and arguments made by Bell Media, the Commission notes that Bell Media has participated in a number of negotiations with Ebox since the beginning of this dispute. This reflects a willingness on the part of Bell Media to negotiate with Ebox”, reads the decision.
Further, Bell Media stated that it has been and remains prepared to engage in commercial negotiations with Ebox, as long as the rates to be negotiated are based on the rates negotiated with other BDUs in the market. Although the record of this proceeding does not include the offers exchanged by the parties, Ebox has not contested Bell Media’s claim that it has made an offer to Ebox based on rates negotiated with comparable BDUs.”
The Commission also clarified the parties’ obligations pursuant to the Wholesale Code “in order to assist the parties in resolving this dispute going forward.”
