Predictable…
Some of the cable companies have managed to get their way on skinny basic.
Yes, you will be able to get your local channels, the major American networks and the CRTC mandated channels for $25. But depending on your provider you could pay from $4 to $7 for the individual channels you choose extra, causing many to pay as much as they do now by simply choosing five or six extra individual channels.
Some of the providers are also limiting their skinny basic to standard definition, forcing their customer to pay more for the high definition channels. And one has to wonder how much they will charge for the rental of their boxes and extra outlets.
Those getting cable television over the internet don’t fare better either. To watch television they must subscribe to a high speed service and rent or buy modems, which adds to the bottom line. And in the end most will simply be offered an existing package by the customer service representatives, who were asked to downplay skinny basic.
Unfortunately those wishing to cut the cord have also been subjected to off the air signal reductions, requiring outdoor antennas
Vmedia is one of the few IPTV providers to offer their services nation wide but Ontario and Quebec are also serviced by Beanfield, Distributel, Vianet Canada, and Zazeen. And many of these providers are expanding.
Apple TV is also an option, as are streaming serves like Netflix, Crave TV and Shomi, although the streaming services are still catching up on content.
I’m personally waiting for the dust to settle and for my contract with my cable company to expire to investigate my options. But i’m leaning towards cutting the cord if the shenanigans continue.
New Vinyl Plant & Store
Global News has just reported that a new record pressing facility will be opened in Calgary in a month.
Canada Boy Vinyl will also include a recording studio and records store.
Bye Bye Radio
iTunes Radio will be no more as of January 29th, 2016. This ad sponsored music streaming service will merge into Apple Music at the end of this month. Click on the banner for details on how to subscribe to this new service :
Netflix USA and VPN
Netflix has issued a statement that they are working on offering content universally and will therefore start blocking Canadians from their American service.
“Some members use proxies or “unblockers” to access titles available outside their territory. To address this, we employ the same or similar measures other firms do. This technology continues to evolve and we are evolving with it. That means in coming weeks, those using proxies and unblockers will only be able to access the service in the country where they currently are. We are confident this change won’t impact members not using proxies.” – January 14th,2016 Blog Entry
There is doubt in regards to the possibility of blocking proxy services like VPN on the net but if they do license more content the need for such a service would be reduced, which is great news for Canadians.
I’ve tried Netflix a few times and found myself leaving shortly after joining because of a lack of content. And now they’ve got more competition because of services like Shomi and Crave TV so it is in their best interest to start offering more content to Canadians.
BTW, if you are subscribed to a VPN service don’t get rid of it unless you do not use public wi-fi often. You can use it to secure the smart phones, tablets and laptops you use when you’re away from home.
The CRTC Wants Your Comments On Your Internet
Whether you think it’s too slow, spotty or expensive, the CRTC wants know.