6. NEGOTIATE FOR THE CHANNELS YOU WANT

The sixth step to implement a community distribution scheme is to negotiate for the remote channels you want. In reality, you'll likely be doing this at the same time as you're building the infrastructure (step 5), or even earlier, when you decide whether you need a distribution licence.

TV

If you are implementing a rebroadcasting (over-the-air) scheme, there are no limitations on what channels you can offer. You might just want the CBC, or just APTN (the Aborignal People's Television Network), or just 2 or 3 or a half dozen services residents consider vital.

If you are implementing a cablecasting service on the other hand, the CRTC requires that you offer a minimum number of core Canadian services, whether or not you require a distribution licence.

Generally speaking, channels that are available free over-the-air in other parts of Canada are free; for example, the CBC, CTV and Global. "Specialty services" that are available only on cable or satellite (like the History Channel, the ichannel, or the Discovery Channel) have to be paid for at a set fee per household.

Radio

There are no per-household fees to obtain radio channels that are free to air in other parts of Canada.

Satellite Uplink/Downlink

As a community, you will have to pay a downlink fee to the satellite company for supplying you with the TV and radio signals.

If you are offering a wireless or cable Internet service, you will need to pay both up uplink and downlink fees, so that residents can both send and receive information across the Internet.

For an idea how much these costs might be, see Costs.

Go Back to the List of Steps

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