Require access to skinny TV packages
Petitioners ask the Government to direct the CRTC to enforce consumer-friendly access to entry-level "skinny" TV packages by requiring clear promotion, banning mandatory bundling, simple opt-in/out, targeted outreach and annual provider reporting.
Why we would sign this petition
- Makes low-cost packages easier to find and choose, helping seniors and low-income households reduce TV costs.
- Clear marketing and simple opt-in/out reduce hidden fees and accidental bundling, giving consumers more control.
- CRTC monitoring, targeted outreach and annual reporting would track uptake and hold providers accountable for compliance.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- New rules and reporting requirements could increase administrative costs for providers, potentially raising prices or reducing services.
- Enforcement and outreach duties may be complex to implement and might duplicate existing CRTC functions, limiting effectiveness.
- Banning bundling or removing bundle discounts could unintentionally eliminate savings some consumers receive from genuine bundles.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the Government of Canada The CRTC requires entry-level "skinny" TV packages at no more than $25/month (excluding equipment), but awareness and uptake remain low; Many providers still bundle these packages with other services, add hidden fees, or fail to promote them prominently, making them hard to access for those on fixed incomes; and Seniors and low-income Canadians often remain un aware of these options, leading to unnecessary financial burden. We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Direct the CRTC to require clear and prominent marketing of skinny packages across all sales channels (online, in-store, phone); 2. Prohibit bundling skinny packages with other services or removing discounts when chosen alone; 3. Mandate simple opt-in and opt-out mechanisms both in-store and online; 4. Establish CRTC monitoring and promotion of these packages targeted at vulnerable populations; and 5. Require annual reporting from providers on uptake rates, pricing, and complaints.
Government response
No government response is available yet.