While direct-to-home satellite providers face their own delays, another digital television service is geared up and awaiting only the regulatory nod to proceed.

Toronto-based SelectView Cable Services recently announced its plans to launch a digital multipoint distribution system the moment it receives crtc approval, which it expects in the near future.

The service utilizes mmds technology to deliver digitally compressed audio and video data to homes via a digital set-top unit, delivering eight to 10 channels on one 6 MHz bandwidth. Denver-based Decathlon Communications is providing the mmds technology and will provide addressable digital decoder/converters with MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 compression capabilities.

From its current broadcast site atop the CN Tower and additional sites planned in Hamilton and Kitchener, SelectView intends to service 2.4 million homes in southern Ontario.

SelectView plans to offer three service packages: a 31-channel basic package at $16.95 per month, a 37-channel second-tier package, which includes specialties, and a third 53-channel package, which includes pay-per-view.

The service requires installation of an antenna, at a cost of $40-$60 and a $3 per month box rental charge.

Doug Lloyd, president of SelectView, says the service will offer a number of advantages over standard cable including the provision of service to those in rural areas who do not have cable access.

The picture quality, demonstrated at SelectView’s unveiling of the service, is indistinguishable from analog services except for a one-second delay when switching channels. Lloyd also says the SelectView service will allow customers to access pick-and-pay services without an additional set-top box, will make community programming available to those who want it, and will provide uniform quality regardless of geographic location.

SelectView also plans to include Internet access through the mmds system, where subscribers could access services with hardware like the Net tv, an integrated pc and tv monitor from New Jersey-based Internet Service Network.