OTTAWA – A review of broadcasting in new media is utterly unnecessary, says an unprecedented joint submission to the CRTC by Canada’s largest Internet service providers.
Friday was the deadline for submissions on PN 2008-44, which only asked for comments on what the scope of any future proceeding on Canadian broadcasting in new media might be. The Commission wants advice on what questions it might ask when it decides to undertake a review of what new media is doing to broadcasting and what Canadian regulations might have to say about it. At this point, it doesn’t want to…
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TORONTO – It might be cold comfort to critics of the CBC’s decision earlier this year to disband its orchestra but CBC Radio 2 said today it will increase its commissions budget by $50,000, bringing 2008’s allocation up to $170,000 in total.
"We are excited to be putting more money towards the creation of original compositions from some of Canada’s most talented musicians. These funds will allow us to work with artists and orchestras throughout the country in creating original and engaging pieces of music for Canadian’s to enjoy," said Mark Steinmetz, director of music for CBC Radio, in…
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CUPERTINO and TORONTO – Apple said today it sold over one million new iPhones over the weekend in a global launch of the latest generation of the well-designed little gadget/cell touch-screen phone.
The iPhone went on sale simultaneously on July 11 in 21 countries, many of which, like Canada, were getting the handset in their market for the first time.
iPhone 3G is now available in 21 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, U.K. and the U.S.
“iPhone 3G had a stunning opening weekend,”…
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TORONTO – Sounding not unlike the advice sometimes given in its namesake magazine (er, not that we’d know for sure…) Corus Entertainment CEO John Cassaday said he isn’t willing to “settle” for an average distribution deal when it comes to the company’s youngest digi-net, Cosmopolitan TV.
While the channel is carried by corporate relative Shaw Communications as well as Bell ExpressVu, neither Rogers Cable nor Cogeco Cable in the east, for example, carries the channel, which was launched on Valentine’s Day this year, and was profiled by Cartt.ca.
While Cassaday wasn’t specific about the carriage terms Corus is demanding…
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TORONTO – Facing a cacophony of online noise fuelled by customers and potential customers who believe what Rogers Wireless was going to charge for the new Apple iPhone 3G and the data plans built around it, not to mention unsubstantiated rumors that the supply of the device would be limited here in Canada, Rogers put the iPhone on sale two days before its launch.
Certain Rogers retail outlets, as well as the Fido flagship store in Montreal, will open early on Friday in anticipation of huge demand for the Apple smart phone – especially since the starting monthly entry…
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OTTAWA – Claiming he has a duty to protect the public from new texting fees (!), Industry Minister Jim Prentice has called the CEOs of Bell and Telus to his office to explain an impending wireless pricing change which both companies recently announced.
Beginning in August, both telcos intend to begin charging 15 cents per incoming wireless text message received by customers who are not a part of a data plan and who choose to pay as they go. Rogers, Canada’s largest wireless company, charges no such fee and has not announced plans to do so.
(Ed query: Is…
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TORONTO – News Corp.-owned social network MySpace announced the hiring of Dave Stevens as general manager for MySpace Canada today.
In his new role, Stevens is responsible for overseeing strategy and operations for the MySpace Canada community, which is comprised of more than four million profiles. He will lead the development of content, product and marketing programs, create innovative advertising solutions for brand partners, and build out strategies for driving user engagement and strengthening brand awareness of MySpace Canada. He is based at MySpace Canada headquarters in Toronto and will report to Travis Katz, managing director of international operations…
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TORONTO – Accounting firm Ernst & Young will present its Ontario lifetime achievement award to Rogers Communications founder Ted Rogers this October.
"Ted Rogers drives those around him to succeed. He is passionate about business and his energy drives and inspires those around him to overcome challenges and push for progress," said Dan Cornacchia, national and Ontario director of the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards program, in a press release. "With inspiring forethought and vision, Rogers represents the true essence of entrepreneurism. He recognizes opportunities others miss and uses them to build ideas into realities."
With the purchase of…
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TORONTO – Rogers Wireless on Friday announced a variety of voice and data pricing plans for the Apple iPhone 3G set that hits stores on July 11.
Rogers’ monthly plans start at $60 for voice and data combined, but increase to as much as $115 a month for higher-value packages.
Customers are required to sign a three-year contract for all plans.
The Apple iPhone 3G packages will also be offered through Rogers-owned Fido wireless provider. The packages are priced the same, whether provided by Fido or Rogers Wireless.
The iPhone 3G combines all the revolutionary features of iPhone with…
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OTTAWA – Globalive Communications Corp., the Yak-led consortium, which had boasted of becoming Canada’s fourth national carrier, appears to have a gaping hole in the province of Quebec as bidding activity peters out in Canada’s auction for advanced wireless services in the 2 GHz range.
“Globalive has as close to a national license as anyone, but Quebec is a hole for them,’’ says Evan Kelly, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s national communications industry leader. “They’ve backed off. Quebec is one of the regions where there are no multiple parties going after licences anymore, so it seems to have settled.’’
With 135 rounds…
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