Bell has begun informing its Mobile TV customers, which as of last official count, amount to over 1.3 million users, that it is removing Rogers-owned City and Sportsnet from its lineup.
“Effective August 14th, 2015, the Sportsnet and City channels will no longer be available on Mobile TV, and ATN DD News will replace ATN Masti,” said a text message sent to current subscribers.
According to Bell, the removal was due to a failure to negotiate rates between the companies. While numbers were not given, Rogers and Bell routinely engage in bilateral discussions on licensing rates between its two media, television and mobile divisions. Bell noted that it “remains open to offering the channels, and that it “offers channels from Bell Media, BBC, CBC/SRC, Corus/Shaw, TVA, TVO and other Canadian and international broadcasters.”
Rogers declined to comment on the negotiations, but said in an email statement that customers can “continue to watch great mobile content from City or Sportsnet on the City Video app, Rogers Anyplace TV, Sportsnet app and Sportsnet NOW app or online.”
Rogers continues to offer TSN to its Anyplace TV customers, but as of last December does not allow wireless viewing separate from a cable or internet subscription.
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