OTTAWA – The CRTC has asked for comments as it ponders an exemption order respecting satellite relay distribution undertakings (SRDUs), and on the transport of Canadian pay and specialty services by SRDUs, whether licensed or exempt.
SRDUs are licensed undertakings that generally function as wholesalers by transporting broadcasting services and making those services available to broadcasting distribution undertakings (BDUs), which then offer them to subscribers. Canada currently has two licensed SRDUs – Shaw Satellite Services Inc., and Bell ExpressVu.
The Commission said Friday that it would like industry feedback on the following questions:
– Should the Commission exempt SRDUs from licensing requirements, or is it necessary to continue licensing SRDUs so that these undertakings contribute to the objectives of the Act?
– If the Commission determines that it is appropriate to exempt SRDUs from licensing requirements, under what terms or conditions should an exemption order respecting SRDUs be issued?
– Has effective competition emerged in all areas of the transport of programming services, i.e., between SRDUs and TRDUs and/or other transport facilities?
– What impact would exempting SRDUs from licensing requirements have on other players involved in the broadcasting system, especially smaller BDUs, independent broadcasters, and pay and specialty services?
– What impact would exempting SRDUs from licensing requirements have on the negotiation process between either SRDUs or their affiliated BDUs, and the pay and specialty services?
– How could the Commission minimize or eliminate any potential negative impacts, such as those noted above, within the context of an SRDU exemption order?
Comments are due by July 11, 2011.
