French digital coming around as Commission fields 18 more category two digi-net apps

OTTAWA – While most (including cartt.ca) concentrated on the satellite radio ruling today, the CRTC also issued a public hearing notice on 18 new category two digital specialty channel applications. Actually, not all of them are new. Some are re-applications for licenses that were allowed to lapse since they have not yet launched since first being licensed in 2000. And, with half of the 18 applications for French language services, it appears broadcasters are coming to believe there are now enough digital cable and satellite customers in Quebec to make business sense. When the first of the digi-nets launched in...