OTTAWA – The Canadian Cable Systems Alliance came down firmly on the side of government Wednesday, congratulating the federal Conservatives for “its commitment in today's Speech from the Throne to choice and competition for rural Canadian telecom, internet and broadcasting consumers,” reads a press release.
The CCSA membership has long fought for a freer hand when it comes to marketing video services to its customers, many of whom live and work in small city or rural markets – and where the small cable company may well be the only local company providing service.
“A traditionally underserved market, Canadians who live outside major cities often lack the choice of communications service alternatives that are available in the largest urban centres,” continues the CCSA release. “That is due to lack of access to communications connectivity at fair prices and the unwillingness of the major companies to negotiate fair contracts with local television distributors for use of their channels.”
"As things stand, it isn't fair to Canadians who don't live in major urban areas. As available television and other communications options explode in the digital environment, the urban/rural divide is growing, not shrinking," said Alyson Townsend, CCSA president. "Our members are the small and medium-sized cable and telephone businesses who work in, live in and contribute to the communities they serve. They provide vital communications services to Canadians in high-cost serving areas; communities and regions that the major companies do not serve well. Those smaller, locally-based companies are a critical part of Canada's communications system. We are delighted that the federal government is committed to the principle that all Canadians should have fair and equal access to these services."
As Cartt.ca and many others reported, Industry Minister James Moore said on the weekend the government would force a move to a pick and pay environment because it holds the promise of more choice and lower prices. The CCSA and its members have consistently supported such increased flexibility and choice for TV viewers and welcome the Government's commitment to these principles.
"We look forward to working with the government as it develops policies and a regulatory climate that will increase the ability of small and medium sized cable, internet and telecom providers to provide better choice and more competitive rates to their customers, no matter where they live," added Townsend.
