CRTC may drop transitional DTV licences

OTTAWA – The CRTC is asking for comments on a revision to its licensing framework for over-the-air digital television (DTV) services.The current policy requires transitional licences for DTV undertakings, consistent with parallel provisions in the Commission’s policy for digital radio. But in preparation for the shut down of over-the-air analog television signals on August 31, 2011, the CRTC is proposing to authorize the simulcast on a broadcaster’s digital transmitter of the programming aired on its analog transmitter by way of an amendment to the analog service’s licence. Comments are due by November 2, 2009.www.crtc.gc.ca