At the industry’s request, the crtc has extended the deadline for comments on its position regarding ownership of pay and specialty services by cable companies.

As a first phase, the commission will accept comments before Feb. 9.

A second written process will follow to allow any party to file a reply to a comment before March 12.

The crtc’s position is to limit or prohibit the participation of cable companies to hold equity interests in pay and specialty services because of the potential for undue preference in the analog distribution market. But in light of the changing broadcasting environment and the Canadian Cable Television Association’s request to the crtc asking it to review and amend its long-held position on cable ownership, the commission is looking to review its position with input from the public.

According to the cable association, increased competition, convergence in the communication sector and the increasingly significant role played by companies that have access to multiple distribution and exhibition platforms justify changes in the policy *.

-www.crtc.gc.ca

-www.ccta.com