Bell proposes FreeSat, but "free for who?"

GATINEAU – Bell Canada offered a potential solution to the cost problems facing the build-out of high definition by local Canadian broadcasters. All conventional broadcasters have complained that replacing their broadcast facilities and transmission equipment with digital is cost-prohibitive and have openly mused about using BDUs as a proxy to deliver those signals. Some BDUs have, in turn, openly wondered why broadcasters would wish to give up spectrum – even in less populous areas – in favour of BDU distribution. Today, however, in its presentation to the CRTC at the hearing to review the policies affecting broadcast distribution undertakings and...