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U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
First some U.S. cable channels threatened to pull their signals if Canada offered a la carte choice here. Now they're looking on with great interest as "pay for what you want" and "skinny basic" edges closer in March. Even though all the cable/sat companies here have yet to release any information on what's coming, despite less than a month left to go.
Starz Exec Calls Canada's Cable TV Unbundling a "Great Service" to Rest of the World
Last edited by RadioActive (February 5, 2016 6:13 pm)
- unclefester
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
Yes it's interesting isn't it ??
Less than a month to go and the cable providers haven't to my knowledge even leaked a crumb of what the new setup will look like. Oh of course we've heard about basic skinny and all that noise but things like the setup and price points and what will happen with your current cable lineup...it's all still pretty much just a guessing game isn't it??
I suspect they're shitting bricks and want to get their "launch"just right. They can't gouge and screw with wild abandon...at least not to start. That would attract way too much negative publicity. Let's have a softer gentler launch I can hear them saying in the board room because we'll have the opportunity to gouge and screw later on...Easy -- peasy....let's get this thing airborne and once it's wheels up and we're on our way we'll get back to being our old selves. I can hear that coming out of the board room too...
I suspect they've got lots of anecdotal information...have done a number of focus groups etc. and have a fair idea how this thing should look to start thus avoiding pitchforks and torches at dawn. I am really curious what the setup -- lineup is going to look like. Regardless, I suspect they are going to live up to their reputations later if not sooner.
Last edited by unclefester (February 5, 2016 7:06 pm)
- ig
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
I could be wrong, it's certainly not a rarity, but I don't think the vast majority of BDU subscribers will care. I don't think there will be a widespread cord cutting or anything else. I believe there's a small vocal minority who actually will relish he process, but for most, it's the price we pay.
I get about 600 channels for $90 a month, including all the premiurm channels, HD and movie channels. I know how to negotiate a good deal and there's nothing wrong with that. The a la carte version won't appeal to a lot of people. Skinny basic plus, for example $5 a channel to add. So I get skinny basic for $30, comprised of, say, 25 channels, and then can add another 18 before I'm at my $90 budget?
No thanks.
I'm happy with the service I get, the quality I get, and the selection. I don't believe I'm paying too much for that service, because when I feel that way, I call and renegotiate my package till I get what I want.
ig.
Madness takes its toll. Please have exact change.
- splunge
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
ig, wife watches murder porn on ID and game shows on GSN. I watch american AHC and H2. that's it for our channel surfing. the rest is netflix or youtube.
You bet i'm looking forward to cutting my cable costs, simply to trim channels.
As an industry "insider" so to speak...i want to deprive other channels....history, discovery, animal planet...of my buck-a-month subsidy for crappy programming. You're right most won't see it that way, they will simply vote with their chequebooks.
Its a shame that certain Canadian programming will fall by the wayside, but ultimately, the voter has the option now.
- Leslieville Bill
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One thing that has happened to me recently is that my cable rates and rates for other Rogers services increased.
As for caring or not caring about the new way to buy cable, my only thought is the cable companies no doubt have analysed and surveyed the skinny cable and unbundling process to death. They'll make sure that their income stays the same and price the services appropriately. Some will pay more, some less but profits will stay the same.
Last edited by Leslieville Bill (February 5, 2016 11:32 pm)
- Not an industry person. Just a guy with a love of Toronto radio.
- unclefester
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
Rogers is the last company I want to deal with but they are my area provider. I am looking forward to cutting my costs as much as I can. Those cable costs will be diminished. And Rogers is the last company I would bundle all my internet/t.v. services with. NEVER!!
The last time I spoke to a Rogers employee on the phone, probably 3 months ago I was polite with her, as I always am, but I told her in no uncertain terms... "while I don't dislike you....I don't like your company"...It seemed to me from her response that that wasn't the first time she had heard a long time customer utter those words. My guess would be that she'd heard it many times. I used to work for Rogers, even had Ted call me on the phone late one evening many years ago, but today....they can kiss my a$$...
Tell you what....I'll meet all you guys back here whenever the top secret price structure/setup
etc. is revealed. We'll chat then....and I'm absolutely certain it'll be a lively conversation!!
Honestly....I can't wait....I really can't
- Kilgore
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
ig wrote:
I get about 600 channels for $90 a month, including all the premiurm channels, HD and movie channels. I know how to negotiate a good deal
Congratulations, however the average consumer does not know how to negotiate the deal you achieved. The average consumer makes the purchase decision based on two or three favorites, ie. "how much does it cost to get CFL football, the Velocity channel + PBS Boston?" (or whatever). And every time Bell or Rogers slips an increase into the monthly bill it runs the risk of losing average consumers
- Old Codger
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
The SAME cable company doesn't necessarily offer the same basic services/choices from one coverage area to the next. I know we get about 2/3 of what the same company offers in a different part of the province. We complain at least once a month.
Then there's Bell...Rogers and the rest who move shows around from channel to channel just to offset your choosing specific packs.
And as some of these broadcasters also own the providers they can really screw with us. The CRTC really, REALLY and truly blew their mandate. They have given lip service to protecting us from these greedy monsters and their full of shit shareholders for years.
I have little confidence that pay only for what you want will work to my benefit but I'm gonna give it a whirl. While there may be 600 channels...only about 50 or so are worth having. The other 550 are either repeats or pure crap. I get enough crap...to the point of poisoning...just from the programming these 'experts' see fit to dump on us.
Canada's broadcasters, providers and the so-called governing body should collectively hang their heads in shame. Gawd they suck!!!
Last edited by Old Codger (February 6, 2016 10:26 am)
- unclefester
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
Is the top secret price structure/setup still a state secret ?? LOL....a-holes...
- Don
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
Not sure why they'd be talking about it. It will appear quietly on the day it's mandated to, at the bottom of the list, one cent under its maximum price, and won't be available with any bundle or package. And almost nobody will subscribe to it.
- Peter the K
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
I could be wrong, it's certainly not a rarity, but I don't think the vast majority of BDU subscribers will care. I don't think there will be a widespread cord cutting or anything else. I believe there's a small vocal minority who actually will relish he process, but for most, it's the price we pay.
I think you're right on. Most people don't care. As long as they can watch (insert name of favourite show here) they'll be happy. It's kind of like simsub. The reality is, most people don't even realize it when they're watching a U.S. channel. (based on some my recent experiences consulting for the retail industry)
I'm one of those weirdos who actually admits to watching CBC, CTV and Global and doesn't mind paying for that, along with feeds across the country. If I could have the "skinny basic" package along with a package of 20 channels of my own choice I'd probably go for that.
But I'd guess that most of the "geeks" (myself included) who pay attention to such things, will check it out at the appointed time and probably find it not worthwhile to start tweaking.
- unclefester
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
Not sure why they'd be talking about it. It will appear quietly on the day it's mandated to, at the bottom of the list, one cent under its maximum price, and won't be available with any bundle or package. And almost nobody will subscribe to it.
Not sure why you would say that. I've seen stories recently (C.B.C. news for starters) that frustration is building in the customer base because no information is available. This is a seismic shift for all concerned yet features and options and prices and plans (other than the mandated ONE mentioned) are somehow off limits to the paying customer. Perhaps you could tell me why?? You can bet your a$$ that if talking this up was in the interest of the cable companies you'd be bombarded with multi million dollar ad campaigns. They are ALL deathly quiet. Funny that...
You don't find their silence deafening?? You call this customer service??
- Don
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
You answered your own question.
You can bet your a$$ that if talking this up was in the interest of the cable companies you'd be bombarded with multi million dollar ad campaigns.
That's why they're not talking about it. It's not in their best interest to promote it, regardless of its "success". And since all providers will implement it in the same way, there's nothing to promote.
This isn't seismic; it's a blip.
Last edited by Don (February 6, 2016 6:45 pm)
- Don
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
I've seen stories recently (C.B.C. news for starters) that frustration is building in the customer base because no information is available
Because the prevailing erroneous interpretation is that channels will be something like $1.99 each and you could pick your 6 favourite and have a $12 cable bill. That would be seismic, but it's not going to happen.
Last edited by Don (February 6, 2016 7:02 pm)
- Old Codger
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
I've seen stories recently (C.B.C. news for starters) that frustration is building in the customer base because no information is available
Because the prevailing erroneous interpretation is that channels will be something like $1.99 each and you could pick your 6 favourite and have a $12 cable bill. That would be seismic, but it's not going to happen.
Well it freaking well should. These extremely well rehearsed arsewipists can't be allowed to simply rip us off just for the hell of it. They put virtually NOTHING in...and take almost everything out. [we're rich!!! we're rich!!! we're really/truly effin' rich!!!!!!!!!... ... ...beyond our muther-effin' wildest expectations!!! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!!]
They need to be lined up in front of a HIGH brick wall and shot...7 times each...with real bullets...and hand grenades....daily...just for when we really get pissed off.
Last edited by Old Codger (February 6, 2016 7:28 pm)
- Don
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
Well it freaking well should.
So who's going to provide it? That would be money-losing for any provider.
Last edited by Don (February 6, 2016 7:25 pm)
- Old Codger
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
Who cares. Like REAL business...compete or die.
- Don
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
Right. But there isn't a business case for a $12/month cable bill. This was completely legal without the new rules, but doesn't exist. Wonder why?
Last edited by Don (February 6, 2016 7:33 pm)
- Old Codger
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
Why? Let there be 2 cable companies covering the EXACT same territory. The crtc are a bunch of tiny Russian influenced 'richards'. Media related shyte should be open to competition. Get good...or get lost. Simple. It's how we live and how our day to day business structure is set up in the WESTERN WORLD. Screw this red army approach to keeping the weakest pigs alive at the trough.
Nobody wins.
Last edited by Old Codger (February 6, 2016 8:01 pm)
- Don
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
Wow. You're approaching this from a free-market POV? There is no free-market business model for the current content structure to be provided at unprofitable pricing. The new regs repress free-market.
Last edited by Don (February 6, 2016 8:07 pm)
- Don
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
Well it freaking well should
So you're looking to the government to mandate this?
Last edited by Don (February 6, 2016 8:09 pm)
- unclefester
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
Don wrote...and I quote....
'This isn't seismic; it's a blip.....
I think that remains to be $een....it's the companies that are in "trouble" here not the customers....thousands a month....thousands every month are saying..."see ya".....
And if the client base perceives that the cable companies are jerking them around, nickel and dime them to death and being corporate slime balls come March1st...(some folks feel that way now!!!!)...instead of coming with a nice highly polished red apple you don't think they'll feel the wrath?? How much more negative publicity do these guys want?? That's a good question isn't it??
Like I said the cable portion of their business is about to undergo mega-major changes...let's see if Roger et al can come close to getting it right the first time...
- Don
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
Like I said the cable portion of their business is about to undergo mega-major changes.
They aren't.
- unclefester
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
Like I said the cable portion of their business is about to undergo mega-major changes.
They aren't.
I'll agree to disagree with you Don. We'll know much more in the not-to-distant future.
Sasktel has their skinny lite package info on line now and available for public viewing and Shaw has the same info etc. out for British Columbia. Not common knowledge but you can find it if you look...
- Don
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
"You can find it if you look" says everything I need to know about this.
Last edited by Don (February 6, 2016 8:33 pm)
- unclefester
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
"You can find it if you look" says everything I need to know about this.
Are we expecting that you'll be cutting the cord then on March 1st then Don ??
- Don
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
Nope. It's no cheaper for me to get the content I want that way.
- Old Codger
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
Come March 1...I'll find their competition on line if I'm not satisfied with their attempt to please me...the effin' consumer. And after I cancel their solid-shyte-infested 'service'...I'll call them whenever I'm bored and rub their "this call may be recorded" noses in my disdain for them.
They're goin' down.
Bye Bye.
- pinto
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Re: U.S. Cable Exec Claims Canada Doing Public Service With Pick-And-Pay
Nothing seems to get more people riled up like talking about their "provider" I still use Rogers for Cell and Internet, but the HD antenna, kodi and newsgroups covers me just fine. Unless I moved further away from the border, I don't see myself ever returning to a cable or satellite company. Guess I'm as skinny basic as it gets!