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Public Notice
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Ottawa, 17 April 1984
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Public Notice CRTC 1984-95
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Applications for Cable Fee Increases
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In the budget speech on 28 June 1982 and subsequently, the Government of Canada requested federal regulatory agencies adhere to the objectives of the budget by limiting regulated fee increases to 6% and 5% over a two-year period other than in exceptional circumstances. It further indicated that it would monitor the price decisions of federal regulatory agencies and take appropriate action where exceptional increases could not be justified.
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In the budget speech on 15 February, 1984 the Government of Canada announced that the existing policy would be continued for another year. The guideline, however, would be reduced from 5% to 4% for this period.
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Applicants for cable fee increases are reminded that the Governor in Council has the power under section 23 of the Broadcasting Act to set aside or refer back to the Commission any decision in respect of the amendment of a licence.
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The Commission is simplifying its information requirements for Class "A" (6,000 subscribers or more) and Class C systems (from 3,000 to 6,000 subscribers) that request fee changes in the authorized maximum installation or monthly subscriber fees of 4% or less. These cable fee applications will generally be considered complete if they consist of the following information:
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1) a letter, addressed to the Secretary General of the Commission, requesting an increase of 4% or less, which in addition, briefly outlines the reason(s) for the proposed rate change and the location within the licensed area where the application may be inspected by any interested person(s);
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2) a copy of the latest Annual Return - Cable Television;
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3) the licensee's audited financial statements for the latest reporting year;
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4) in the case of licensees who operate more than one system, non-consolidated audited financial statements as well as consolidated financial statements and/or annual reports, where applicable.
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The Commission retains the option to request additional information it may consider necessary to complete its evaluation in particular cases.
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Applications submitted in accordance with these simplified information requirements will be dealt with expeditiously by the Commission. These applications, however, remain subject to the statutory requirements of gazetting and public notice and will be subject to comment through interventions from the public.
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The Commission's current information requirements remain in effect for other applications.
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In view of the foregoing, applicants may wish to submit separate applications for fee increases of 4% or less and for fee increases which are in excess of the Government's guideline.
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The revised fee application procedure for Class B cable television undertakings (under 3,000 subscribers) set out in the Public Announcement dated 19 June 1980 remains in effect and is not changed by this public notice.
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Furthermore, the Commission announces that the procedure for two-state fee increase applications by all cable licensees (including Class B systems) described in Public Notice 1982-43 dated 31 May 1982, is temporarily suspended.
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J.G. Patenaude Secretary General
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