BC Tel Now Eligible to Apply for Licence to Distribute Broadcast Signals
OTTAWA, August 6, 1996 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps and Transport Minister David Anderson announced today that BC Tel will be eligible to apply for a licence to distribute broadcast signals (i.e. a cable licence).A Cabinet decision made today will result in a Direction to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) which will allow BC Tel to proceed with a licence application for a broadcasting distribution undertaking in accordance with the policy framework on convergence.
This decision makes it easier for BC Tel to participate in rapidly expanding and competitive communications systems in cable and telephone services. That competition will lead to increased investment in technology and Canadian programming and create jobs and growth in the province.
A fact sheet describing the conditions affecting BC Tel's eligibility to apply for a broadcasting distribution licence is available upon request at (819) 994-5589. The full text of the federal government's policy on convergence is available on the Internet at: www.pch.gc.ca under What's new?
Information:
Duncan Dee
Press Secretary
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Canadian Heritage
Telephone: (819) 997-7788
Facsimile: (819) 997-7287
Internet: duncan_dee@pch.gc.ca
Brian Bohunicky
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport
Telephone: (613) 991-0700
Facsimile: (613) 995-0327
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