I noticed an old thread lamenting the end of free tv. We went through that, or so we thought.
Happily, thanks to the good old CRTC, cable companies are obliged to provide free local tv to anybody who asks (and who has not had cable tv for at least the previous 6 mos.)
It's called LTSS (Local Tv Satellite Service) and you just have to contact a cable company to get it. And it is guaranteed free in the contract for 5 years. They even mail out the receiver free and once you get it, it's yours. If you're far away from a biggish centre you might have to pay for the guy to come out and install the satellite (also free) - we had to pay $50.
We now get several channels of CBC, CTV, Global, CITY, Access, and SRC. More than we need. If you're addicted to Storage Wars, however, you're out of luck.
Wow, I'm calling today. I cut the cable cord several years ago, and the only thing I've ever missed is local news.
I can see how this would work with companies that serve over COAX, but what about if the service uses phone lines and the customer doesn't have phone service?
Keep in mind that this program only applies to a few remote towns/cities that, after the switch to digital TV, no longer receive local broadcasts. It does not apply to the majority of Canadians.