Most Canadians pay their cable bill every month without thinking much about what's in it. That's understandable — the bills are dense, the pricing is opaque, and there are more interesting things to think about. But there are some things worth knowing.
1. The CRTC Promised You Choice — in 2015
In March 2015, the CRTC issued a major decision called "Let's Talk TV" that was supposed to transform the cable television experience. The headline promise: Canadians would have more control over what they pay for. You'd be able to pick channels individually or in small packages, instead of paying for giant bundles full of channels you never watch.
The $25 basic package was born from this decision. So was the promise of "pick-and-pay" channel selection.
Whether that promise has been fully delivered is a matter of ongoing debate. Consumer groups argue that cable companies have structured their pricing to make basic packages unattractive, effectively pushing subscribers toward larger bundles that include services they didn't choose.
2. Some Services on Your Bill May Be There by Default
Not every line item on your cable bill represents something you actively selected. Certain services are included in cable packages through wholesale agreements between the programming company and your cable provider. These are negotiated at the corporate level — your cable company agrees to include a service across its packages, and the cost is passed through to you.
As a subscriber, you may not be able to remove these services individually. The CRTC's "pick-and-pay" rules apply to discretionary television channels, but not all categories of service fall neatly into that framework.
If you find a service on your bill that you don't recognize or don't use, your first step should be to call your provider and ask to have it removed. If they say they can't, that's worth documenting — and potentially escalating to the CCTS.
3. Your Complaint Creates a Permanent Record
When you file a complaint with the CRTC or CCTS, it doesn't disappear into a void. Every complaint is logged and becomes part of the official record. When a broadcaster or service provider applies to renew their CRTC licence — which happens every five to seven years — the complaint history is part of what the Commission reviews.
Multiple complaints about the same issue signal a pattern. Patterns get attention at renewal time. So even if your individual complaint doesn't result in an immediate resolution, it contributes to the evidence base that regulators rely on when making decisions.
4. You Can Participate in the Rules That Govern Your Cable Bill
The CRTC regularly opens public consultations on broadcasting policy. These are not just for lawyers and lobbyists — any Canadian can submit comments. When the CRTC is considering new rules about billing practices, channel packaging, or consumer protections, your input is part of the decision-making process.
The process is called an "intervention," and it's more straightforward than it sounds. You submit a written statement through the CRTC's online portal during the comment period. No legal training required.
For a step-by-step guide, see our intervention guide.
5. The $25 Basic Package Has Strings Attached
The CRTC-mandated $25 basic package (often called "skinny basic") is real — cable companies are required to offer it. But the price you see advertised may not reflect the full cost of switching to it.
Subscribers who move to basic often report losing bundle discounts that applied to their internet and phone services. Equipment rental fees may increase. The net effect can be that your total bill stays the same or even goes up, despite dropping to the cheapest TV option.
This doesn't mean the basic package isn't worth considering. But it's important to ask your provider about the full financial impact before making the switch — and to document what they tell you, in case you need to file a complaint later.
What You Can Do
If anything on this list surprised you, you're not alone. The broadcasting system is designed by and for industry participants, and consumers are often an afterthought.
CBA exists to change that. Sign our petition for real consumer choice, learn how to file a complaint, or join our email list for updates on CRTC proceedings that affect your cable bill.
Canadians for Broadcast Accountability monitors broadcaster compliance and helps Canadians navigate the CRTC process. Learn more about what we do or join our email list for updates.