WINNIPEG – MTS Allstream called Monday’s CRTC decision “harmful to consumers”, and accused the federal broadcasting regulator of “catering to a specific interest instead of addressing the real issues facing the industry”.
"These decisions represent a serious set back for consumers – reducing the possibility for innovation and increasing costs without providing any real benefits”, said Chief Corporate Officer Chris Peirce, in a statement issued Tuesday.
The company predicted that the new fees could cost their customers at least $50 to $100 per year, as well as reduce investment in infrastructure, hinder innovation and reduce choice.
“Indeed the obligations for broadcasters are being reduced as the tax on customers is being increased”, Peirce continued. “In a challenging economy this tax forces individual TV customers and cable distributors to subsidize one stakeholder in the broadcasting community.”
