CRTC denies request to hike price of basic TV based on inflation

OTTAWA – The CRTC has denied Tuesday an application requesting that the regulator increase the price of the basic television package from $25 to $28 per month and to index the price to inflation. The application, filed by Bell, Cogeco, Eastlink and SaskTel, was denied on the basis that there was insufficient evidence provided to suggest that the $25 price was no longer economically viable for the providers, the regulator said, noting the “strength of the BDU industry.” Ironically, the CRTC argued inflation actually provides more justification for a price cap on the cost of the mandatory carriage package because...