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Public Notice
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Ottawa, 11 June 1984
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Public Notice CRTC 1984-140
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Applications for Pay-per-view Television Services
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The Commission has received submissions from interested parties for permission to distribute pay-per-view television programming on cable television systems. Some of these submissions were from cable licensees who wished to distribute such programming on their own systems; others from potential network operators.
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In the Public Notice of 21 April 1981 which called for applications for pay television service, the Commission stated:
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The Commission sees distinct advantages in the implementation of a pay-per-channel system in the first instance, but nevertheless is prepared to consider proposals for the introduction of other systems where applicants are able to demonstrate that this could provide clear benefits in terms of the stated objectives to be realized from the introduction of pay television service.
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Following extensive public discussions, in Decisions CRTC 82-240, 84-1 to 84-4 and others, the Commission approved the introduction of pay television in Canada based on a pay-per-channel model.
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Canadian pay television has been in operation for only a little longer than a year. This emerging industry is beginning to provide programming diversity and expanded viewing choices in most regions of the country. However, in view of rapidly evolving industry conditions, the Commission remains concerned about the fragility of some of the elements in the industry. Under the circumstances, the Commission considers that the introduction of another model of pay television at this time would be premature and would only add to the uncertainties which now beset the industry.
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In view of the foregoing, the Commission does not intend to hear pay-per-view applications at this time.
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Fernand Bélisle Secretary General
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