LAS VEGAS – In kicking off the session this morning on IPTV, PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Asia Pacific head Marcel Fenez outlined the changes in his city, Hong Kong, with the introduction of a serious IPTV player.
There are seven million people in the city and 130% wireless penetration. Broadband penetration is 60% and five years ago, cable had 100% of the video market, he said.
Three years ago, however, one of the five fixed line telcos, PCCW launched an IPTV service with 23 channels.
It now has over 700,000 customers (one of whom is Fenez) and 120 channels. "It’s the largest…
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OTTAWA – Industry Minister Maxime Bernier’s efforts to hasten deregulation of local telephone service have come under fire from Canadian consumer groups.
At a press conference Monday, the organizations charged that the minister’s proposals and policy direction to the CRTC ignore the Commission’s roadmap to competition that took into account the largely dominant position of the established local phone companies and was aimed at permitting the creation of viable competition. Some in rural communities say the directive will stifle competition in smaller markets.
The Canadian Consumer Initiative, a coalition of six consumer organizations, accused the minister of trying…
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GATINEAU – Until the federal government makes up its mind on who it wants to lead the CRTC, vice-chair broadcasting Michel Arpin has been appointed acting chairperson, secretary general Diane Rhéaume announced today in an e-mail to staff.
"Pursuant to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act, the Commission may authorize one of the vice-chairs to assume the duties of chairperson in the event of a vacancy in that office. Mr. Arpin will therefore serve as acting chairperson until such time as the Government of Canada names a successor for Charles Dalfen," said a release.
Dalfen’s term expired at…
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FINAL SUBMISSIONS TO THE CRTC on its conventional television policy review were due in yesterday.
Cartt.ca managed to get our hands on eight submissions (unfortunately, none of the companies serving the Francophone market responded to our e-mails), which were filed by parties Wednesday in response to what they were asked – or what others were asked – during the seven-day oral presentations that began on November 27th.
(Ed note: Thank goodness broadcasting vice-chair Michel Arpin – who looks as though he’ll be the Commission’s Interim Chair for the time being as the PMO explores more candidates to replace departing…
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VANCOUVER – Telus today announced it will provide managed communications applications for Canadian businesses, hosting several Microsoft tools on its servers to give small and medium businesses access to applications without having to manage the technology internally.
With these hosted applications, small to mid-sized Canadian companies can access Microsoft Office Communicator, Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 and Windows SharePoint Server from a PC or a Windows Mobile 5.0-based device.
With the Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 3.5, Canadian businesses can take advantage of advanced tools including: * Microsoft Exchange: Helps improve email productivity and collaboration with synchronized…
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VANCOUVER – Telus TV has activated its pay-per-view service Friday, adding movies, sports and other events to its digital TV lineup.
Telus TV pay-per-view offers access to a wide variety of sporting and entertainment special events including live NHL hockey games starting at $11.95 and WWE events starting at $39.95.
Telus TV is a 100% digital television service, delivered over Telus’ DSL network, which allows subscribers to customize their entertainment experience, selecting from 200-plus digital channels. Clients can personalize their viewing with flexible channel packaging and the choice of over a dozen theme packs – like sports, news, arts,…
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VANCOUVER – While Telus expects to add about the same number of new wireless and Internet customers in 2007 as it did in 2006, additional services means more revenue in the next 12 months.
"Telus’ 2007 targets build on the financial success experienced in 2006. Telus expects to meet or exceed the 2006 consolidated targets set a year ago for revenue, earnings and cash flow," said Robert McFarlane, executive vice president and CFO, in a press release.
Telus plans to add about 550,000 wireless customers through next year for a 12% to 13% revenue increase (up to $4.375 billion)…
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TORONTO – Ashok Kalle, president of independent ISP Pathway Communications says the federal government’s decision to relax the rules of the regulatory game when it comes to telecom is bad news for Canadians.
Pathway offers voice and data services to Canadian residential and business clients.
"The decision by Industry Canada to allow deregulation of the telecommunications market will hurt consumers of long distance, VOIP and other telecommunications/online services in the long-run," said Kalle in a statement. "I am clearly in agreement with comments made by Liberal MP and consumer affairs critic Dan McTeague who attacked the new regulations as…
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SOME THOUGHTS ON the TV Policy Review hearings that one day, could grow up to be full-sized columns. ********** ONE OF THE MOST interesting questions at the hearing came late in the day on Monday, December 4th, when Media Awareness Network faced the five-person panel.
MNet, as it calls itself, is a non-profit organization with the laudable goal of boosting media literacy among children. The group promotes media and Internet education through its online programs and resources, working with a number of organizations in Canada and elsewhere. Its sponsors include Bell, Shaw, CTV, CHUM, Rogers, Telus and CanWest Global….
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VANCOUVER – The newest members of Telus spokescritter family are a sea of pink flamingos.
Last week Telus unveiled its newest holiday marketing initiative, which gives residents the chance to get their own plastic pink flamingo lawn ornament.
“Today, residents of Vancouver woke up to a sea of pink as Telus’ flamingos landed in public spaces such as the Vancouver Art Gallery (or Kitsilano Park, below). The flamingos now starring in Telus’ advertising campaign have been a huge hit and this creative marketing initiative is sure to draw additional attention to Telus’ campaign as we invite passers-by to take…
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