WHILE WE’VE COVERED much of what the large Canadian ISPs, BDUs and wireless companies are doing for their customers during the current health crisis, smaller, independent operators are acting to protect their employees and help customers, too.
For example, Kirkton, Ont.-based co-op Quadro Communications told customers it has closed its offices but is still offering customer and tech support online and through its social channels – and is offering CTV News Channel and CP24 for free to all TV customers through to April 17th. It doesn’t have to waive data overage fees for broadband customers because none of its plans have data limits.
Quadro’s Twitter feed is also an excellent source of news and information for its customers – and even the broader community – on COVID-19 and its impact and what we should be doing. It’s where we found out Corus Entertainment is making all of its channels free to view through April 30th.
Access Communications (Regina) has also informed its customers about the measures it is taking, including making more than 40 channels, including CTV News Channel, CBC News Netw
ork available to all customers for free.
“Our co-operative’s mission is to provide exceptional communications and entertainment services to the people of Saskatchewan and that mission has never been more important than today. All Access internet plans have always had unlimited data and we are fully prepared to deliver on the increased demand for internet services to keep you connected – to your friends and family, to your workplace and to the latest news and entertainment,” said CEO Jim Deane in a message to members.
Quebec’s Coopérative de câblodistribution de l’Arrière-Pays told customers that at least through March, all data caps have been eliminated for their internet plans.
And on Cape Breton Island, Seaside Communications is moving all of its office staff so they can work remotely and it has closed its office in Sydney. “We anticipate further announcements and guidance from government authorities on their responses to COVID-19, and we may make further changes to our operations to meet evolving circumstances. We will provide you with timely information on any such changes if they occur,” says its message to customers.
This is just a small sampling of what independent operators across Canada are doing to keep customers connected and informed at this time of uncertainty where we all need to remain connected, informed and yes, entertained.
