CBC News Network, ICI RDI, CTV News Channel, now free to meet demand for COVID-19 info

CBC News Network, ICI RDI, CP24, and CTV News Channel are being made more widely available as Canadians clamour for more information as COVID-19 spreads to more provinces.

“As Canadians face the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the quickly changing situation, CBC/Radio-Canada and the country’s TV distributors want to ensure more Canadians have access to the latest information,” reads a statement issued by the public broadcaster Saturday.

As of today, its 24-hour news channel CBC News Network will be available to all Bell TV, Shaw, and Cogeco subscribers, and available to stream for free via CBC Gem, the CBC News app, and CBC.ca. Previously, live streaming the channel was accompanied by a $4.95/month charge.

French-language counterpart, ICI RDI, will also be available to all Bell TV, Vidéotron and Cogeco subscribers, and online at ici.radio-canada.ca/rdi and via the Radio-Canada Info app.

CTV News Channel, CP24 and French-language channel LCN are also being offered to non-subscribers through participating TV service providers. LCN is livestreaming at tva.ca and on the TVA and TVA Nouvelles mobile apps. CTV News Channel and Toronto’s CP24 are also offering free, live streams on their respective sites.

To ensure every Canadian has access to the most up-to-date breaking news and information on the COVID-19 pandemic, @CTVNews Channel and @CP24 will be available for free preview through participating TV service providers, beginning today until April 17.

— CTV Communications (@CTV_PR) March 13, 2020

Shaw opens access to Shaw Go network

In step with some American Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like AT&T, which has lifted data caps and overage fees as more customers work from home, Shaw Communications announced late Friday that it’s providing open access to Shaw Go WiFi across Western Canada. Until further notice, Shaw is giving everyone unrestricted access to Shaw Go network hotspots regardless of whether or not they’re a Shaw customer.

“As the world navigates through the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s become even more important for people to ensure they’re able to stay in touch with friends, families and loved ones, and for first responders to stay connected wherever they are,” said Paul McAleese, incoming President, Shaw Communications, in a release.

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