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CBC/Radio-Canada released Friday a transition plan for its switch to over-the-air digital television broadcasting, but noted that it has filed a request with the CRTC for a temporary extension of analogue service in 12 markets.
According to CRTC requirements, broadcasters have until Aug. 31, 2011 to switch to digital transmission in mandatory markets.
CBC/Radio-Canada said it will install digital transmitters in all of the markets where it produces original television, for a total of 27 transmitters.
Fifteen of the 27 transmitters will be operational by August 2011, the broadcaster said, with the remainder operational by August 2012.
"We believe that our plan is appropriate given our financial challenges, given our mandate, and given industry trends," Steven Guiton, vice-president and chief regulatory officer, said in a release.
"When all is said and done, our estimate is that less than 1 per cent of Canadians will need to turn to a cable or satellite provider in order to continue receiving our signal."
The first 15 transmitters are located in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Quebec City, Rimouski, Trois-Rivieres, Sherbrooke, Chicoutimi and Moncton.
The remaining transmitters to be operational by 2012 are located in Yellowknife, Regina, Winnipeg, Windsor, Saint-John/Fredericton, Charlottetown, Halifax, St. John's, Vancouver, Edmonton and Regina.
In July CBC spokesman Angus McKinnon told The Wire Report that the public broadcaster would require government assistance to meet its digital transition targets by the deadline.
The CBC will continue to offer analogue service in non-mandatory markets.
Source: The Wire Report, 08/06/2010
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