Canadian Heritage committee  Certainly. First of all, compared to the U.S., we are slightly further ahead on cable and satellite penetration, so there is an advantage there. We mentioned that the U.S. converted two years back. That extra time, being a fast follower in this case, has allowed greater penetration of digital TV sets, even further reducing the need for special conversion units and basically opening Canadians up to the advantages of digital that much sooner.

Canadian Heritage committee  The space right now is planned for television broadcasters. What can they do with that space? Well, moving from analog to digital allows a more efficient use. That's why you're clearing up what you're mentioning there. They get to keep a level of spectrum similar to what they were using before, but it's used more effectively.

Canadian Heritage committee  I don't think that we are leaving 900,000 Canadians to fend for themselves. The problem used to be much bigger, and our objective was to reduce it as much as possible. The measures we have taken have obviously excluded certain markets so that people wouldn't lose service completely.

Canadian Heritage committee  People in rural municipalities are not forced to go digital. Analog service will still be provided in rural areas, and no changes will occur. This is one of the steps that have been implemented. A great many television companies that provide services on channels 52 to 69 in rural areas and were slated to move their signal or stop broadcasting for coordination purposes have decided to move their signal in order to continue broadcasting in analog mode.

Canadian Heritage committee  Well...

Canadian Heritage committee  For now, we intend to take away their broadcasting rights as of September 1.

Canadian Heritage committee  March begins tomorrow. We are currently implementing regulations to ensure that broadcasters launch their campaigns as soon as possible.

Canadian Heritage committee  Yes. That's the information that has been given to us, but so far, the figure of 7% is not in relation to any specific population groups.

Canadian Heritage committee  We have announced that industry people should work together to inform Canadians of the changes. We are working closely with them.

Canadian Heritage committee  We have already seen some drafts of ads they will broadcast. They are getting ready.

Canadian Heritage committee  Most broadcasters have submitted their plan to us. So, we are confident that they will be ready.

Canadian Heritage committee  We don't have those figures on hand, but you said that in Quebec...

Canadian Heritage committee  In broadcasting mode, the year begins on September 1, when stations launch their new program schedules. So, August 31 represents the end of the year.

Canadian Heritage committee  Basically, 93% of Canadians subscribe to a television service, be it cable or satellite. We estimate that about 7% of Canadians use...

Canadian Heritage committee  Yes, and that even includes people who may not have a television.