CRTC ruling for slim TV service now in effect

Twenty-five dollar TV starter packs are not without controversy

Following a Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission ruling last year, as of March 1, 2016, Canadian TV service providers must sell and advertise a basic package with options to add specific channels.

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The CBC published a story on Feb. 26, 2016, claiming that they have an internal Bell document that tells their employees to downplay the new slim package. Also in the alleged internal document was the fact that there would be no special offers tied in with the starter bundle. In order to get Bell television service you must also buy or rent a PVR and receiver which retail at $500 together and are available to rent for $22 a month. A la carte channels are available for $4 or $7 each.

By the time you add CNN, AMC, and FX Canada, you will have an additional $21 on your bill, this brings the monthly total to $68 plus applicable taxes.

The reason HBO is not listed as an example channel to add a la carte is because Bell will not allow it. The only way to get HBO is to add to the $20 Movie Network and HBO package. Supposing you want this, like many people do, this brings your total to $88 before tax.

In addition to all of the television related fees, as of Feb. 26, 2016,  you must also have Bell Fibe Internet to get Bell television service. The least expensive package presently listed is $65. There are no bundle savings for the TV starter package outlined above, and Bell Fibe Internet.

The grand total for this modest solution is $172.89 after taxes in Ontario. This does not include the $50 activation fees.

For an additional fee of $11 you can get everything included in the sample starter package plus a plethora of other channels. This also allows the buyer to take advantage of the three month promo discount that takes $30 off your bill for three months.

“Bell TV packages all comply with CRTC rules,” said Bell spokesperson Jacqueline Michelis told the Toronto Star in an email on Sunday Feb. 28. The CRTC made this ruling to help keep television affordable, and provide a slim, low-cost option.

CRTC spokeswoman Patricia Valladao told CBC reporter Sophia Harris that “the CRTC will be watching how service providers implement these changes.”

All television providers have offered some kind of starter package that costs $25 or less at first glance. A quick number crunch will show you that not all starter packages are made equal. Before switching, consider the entire cost of setup and month-to-month expense.

Alternatively, you could go with a regular package from a TV service provider and get a plethora of bundled discounts, likely costing you less.