Bell is arguing for less choice for consumers, claiming that Canadians should be satisfied with access to the programs it (and other Canadian broadcasters) licence. If anything, the Internet is leading to greater choice and options for Canadians that want access to U.S. programs. Blocking content feels like the last refuge of a company that simply cannot compete with greater consumer choice, particularly with the imminent arrival of pick-and-pay channels. Consumers will soon be able to pick the channels they want to purchase alongside new ways (Internet streaming, over-the-top video services, iTunes downloads) of accessing U.S. programming. Bell somehow thinks the solution to these options is to create less choice by blocking access to popular U.S. channels on cable and satellite services.
Bell wants to overturn the CRTC decision on its Mobile TV service, arguing that it can’t offer it unless it has a competitive advantage by offering access that does not count against consumers’ monthly data caps. In other words, it can’t compete with the Internet, which offers a far richer and broader array of content than licensed mobile TV services. The CRTC’s concern was that disadvantaging competitive services would reduce innovation and consumer choice:
the Commission finds that the preference given in relation to the transport of Bell Mobility’s and Videotron’s mobile TV services to subscribers’ mobile devices, and the corresponding disadvantage in relation to the transport of other audiovisual content services available over the Internet, will grow and will have a material impact on consumers, and other audiovisual content services in particular. As an example, it may end up inhibiting the introduction and growth of other mobile TV services accessed over the Internet, which reduces innovation and consumer choice.
This is net neutrality 101 and countries such as the Netherlands have experienced the benefits of net neutrality rules with respect to online video. In fact, researchers have found that countries with restrictive data caps are particularly vulnerable to “zero-rating” plans such as that offered by Bell. Crull made it clear that Bell will withdraw the service if cannot discriminate against competing services with respect to data charges.
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Raising the Broadcast White Flag: What Lies Behind Bell's Radical Plan to Raise TV Fees, Block Content, Violate Net Neutrality & Fight Netflix - Michael Geist
Bell wants to overturn the CRTC decision on its Mobile TV service, arguing that it can’t offer it unless it has a competitive advantage by offering access that does not count against consumers’ monthly data caps. In other words, it can’t compete with the Internet, which offers a far richer and broader array of content than licensed mobile TV services. The CRTC’s concern was that disadvantaging competitive services would reduce innovation and consumer choice:
the Commission finds that the preference given in relation to the transport of Bell Mobility’s and Videotron’s mobile TV services to subscribers’ mobile devices, and the corresponding disadvantage in relation to the transport of other audiovisual content services available over the Internet, will grow and will have a material impact on consumers, and other audiovisual content services in particular. As an example, it may end up inhibiting the introduction and growth of other mobile TV services accessed over the Internet, which reduces innovation and consumer choice.
This is net neutrality 101 and countries such as the Netherlands have experienced the benefits of net neutrality rules with respect to online video. In fact, researchers have found that countries with restrictive data caps are particularly vulnerable to “zero-rating” plans such as that offered by Bell. Crull made it clear that Bell will withdraw the service if cannot discriminate against competing services with respect to data charges.
more
Raising the Broadcast White Flag: What Lies Behind Bell's Radical Plan to Raise TV Fees, Block Content, Violate Net Neutrality & Fight Netflix - Michael Geist
