According to a CRTC report published earlier this week, almost 160,000 Canadians cancelled their TV subscription last year. However, Canadian cable television, IPTV and satellite television companies managed to offset the loss by charging remaining customers more for their services, CBC News reports. On the other hand, IPTV companies like VMedia, Primus, Zazeen and ViaNet TV saw double-digit increases in their customer numbers during 2015 compared with the previous year.
The broadcast regulator says the overall number of TV subscribers dipped from 11,404,591 in 2014 to 11,246,669 in 2015. That’s a decrease of 157,992 people. While the number of TV subscribers declined, the hit to the companies’ bottom line wasn’t quite as dire, as revenues dipped by just 0.1 per cent to $8.9 billion.
That’s because TV providers managed to squeeze more money out of their remaining customers by offering them expanded or better services. The average TV subscriber’s monthly bill ticked up from $65.25 in 2014 to $66.08 in 2015.
The report highlights that overall, the TV industry saw its costs of doing business increase by 1.3 per cent to $7.2 billion. TV companies spent less on making Canadian content last year, with the total falling by $38.1 million to $436.9 million. “Of this amount, $219.6 million was directed to the Canada Media Fund, $64.7 million to independent funds and $152.6 million to community channels and other sources of local content,” notes the report.
Have you noticed a recent increase in your monthly bills for cable or satellite TV?
Want to see more of our stories on Google?
P.S. Want to keep this site truly independent? Support us by buying us a beer, treating us to a coffee, or shopping through Amazon here. Links in this post are affiliate links, so we earn a tiny commission at no charge to you. Thanks for supporting independent Canadian media!
Yeah Shaw was going to increase my bill by $5, so I cancled some premium channels My household hardly watches.
I’m going on my 9th year without cable…
I’m on my 12th!
I’m on my 5th. I was interested in getting cable again but Shaw’s price hold me back.
Ironically, Shaw’s prices had me convinced I don’t need cable.
I’m on my 11th. Kodi and a good internet connection
I havent had cable since the first ipad. I like buying seasons and watching the shows when i want to. And i dont mind paying because there are no commercials.
TV is done. Its just a matter of time.
I can’t stand the increases. Shaw seems to be increasing cable every 6-8 months now. I haven’t cut cable because I love sports – I like watching sports live.
10th year for us, and I don’t miss it one little bit!! Cable TV is so passe, I find it hard to believe it’s still around.
I can scarce remember what a cable bill looks like…
I think in the age of the internet the idea that I have to pay for it AND sit through countless ads feels antiquated.