It’s just over two weeks until “true” a la carte pick and pay becomes the latest way to choose what channels you want, without bundling anything. (The CRTC ordered it to start in December.) I know the Big Three have been forced to offer a $25 starter basic that almost no one uses, but has anyone seen the prices for the stand-alones?
 
I’m curious to find out just how big the gouge will be and whether the American networks will make good on their threats to cut off Canadian cable outlets over their anger about the new scheme, since bundling is integral to how they keep the stations afloat down south. (It's never going to happen, of course, but they did threaten it.)
 
I’m also wondering how soon we’ll know which of the Canadian offerings will inevitably go dark. (Seriously, is anyone going to miss Book Television?) And finally whether any SOWNY-ites plan to take advantage of the changes when they become available.
 
The starter packages have predictably been a failure, offering almost nothing of interest. I’m guessing the cable titans will also find a way to make this next step so expensive, it will become a useless exercise, foiling the CRTC’s plans to try and supposedly help the consumer. Either way, December should be an interesting month.

Meanwhile, back in CRTC-land, there's been an outburst from the man in charge:

CRTC head Blais defends his record, critiques shutdown of Shomi