CRTC Passes on Regulating Netflix, YouTube

The broadcast regulator says the arrival of Netflix in Canada hasn't led to people abandoning their cable or satellite packages.

The CRTC has decided that it won't regulate over-the-top services such as Netflix, claiming that the streaming services haven't hurt cable companies bottom lines in the least. The federal agency said there's no proof that Canadians are ditching their cable or satellite packages in favour in Netflix in rebuffing calls from Bell, Rogers and others that over-the-top services should face the same regulations that they do. As far as Canadian content goes, the CRTC said enough Canadians are already using the Internet to further their creative endeavours so as to not require Netflix to foster any more growth in the sector. Plus, it's worth noting that to use Netflix, you need to have an Internet subscription as well, meaning Bell, Rogers, Shaw or Videotron end up making money regardless.