Canada Caps Basic Cable At $25; Broadcasters Must Offer A La Carte Specialty Channels

It’s not often that Canada’s CRTC instills me with much confidence, but its latest move is without question a great one. For far too long, cable TV providers have taken advantage of consumers in a number of different ways – overcharging for basic cable, and requiring consumers to shell out for big bundles just to gain access to a sliver of what it offers. Starting in 2016, this will be changing.

At the forefront, the CRTC has capped the price of basic cable to $25. Such a cable subscription would include about 30 channels, which includes both local and common US channels, as well as news. For many, this will be suitable. But for those wanting to expand on their offerings, it gets even better: Broadcasters are going to be forced to offer speciality channels as a la carte options, meaning that people will not have to purchase a bundle just to gain access to one channel they want.

As great as these changes are, a big question is raised: Is it too late? Nowadays, many have given up on cable TV entirely, instead preferring to use the Internet for all of their viewing needs. There is something to be said about the convenience of a “it just works” cable TV solution, but it also brings on a number of caveats that moved people away from it in the first place, such as the inability to watch a show on your own time.

Nonetheless, what this ruling should ensure is that cable providers will try harder to appeal to those without cable subscriptions, which could include the bundling of separate services that work through our televisions. This will be a fun process to see play out, especially as it’s so overdue.

Next, hopefully the US will be treated to such a ruling.