Will 'skinny' cable TV packages mean a fat bill for some consumers?

Starting Tuesday, Canadianshave the option to buycable televisionfor aslittle as $25 permonth.

• 'Skinny' cable TV a day away: What's coming for consumers
• Bell tells staff to downplay new $25 basic TV package ordered by CRTC
• 'Skinny' cable and pick-and-pay TV: What you need to know

The so-called "skinny basic" option has been mandated by the CRTC.The federal broadcast regulator ordered the changes a year ago, calling for "smaller, more affordable basic service that prioritizes Canadian TV services."

These new skinnybasicplans are not front and centre on the cable companywebsitesand sales staff are eager to push the value of plans other than the $25 option.

In New Brunswick,Shaw is providing 32 local Canadian channels in the skinnybasic pack, whileRogers offers 29 Canadian and U.S.stations.Bell is offering its customers23 Canadian channels,plus the main U.S. networks, but those five networks (ABC, CBS,NBC, Foxand PBS) are free for the first threemonths only.

For many TV viewers, it would seem that switching to skinny basic might notbe worthwhile, asthe cost of additional channels can quickly raise the final price.

In addition,equipment feesand other servicescan often be waived when consumerssign up for expensive plans andanyone who bundles in home phone and internet may get offered other plans at the same price.

The product is meant to give Canadians another choice.- Daniel Bader, technology analyst

Daniel Bader, a technology analyst, says for most cable subscribers, switching to a slimmer plan may not be worth it.

"You will end up paying more in the long run if you do pare back to the skinny basic or starter packages, and then add on bundles or individual channels until you've reached the point where you were at before," Badersaid.

However, Bader saidthat is not the purpose of this product as itis really designed for people struggling to affordTV service.

"The product is meant to give Canadians another choice, many of whom would not be subscribing to television service at all. Many low income Canadians have cut the cord, so to speak, because theyweren't able to afford the high prices for what was considered basic cable before today," he said.

Right now, Bell is the only provider offering customers the ability to pick additional channels one-by-one, rather than in extra packages, but byDec. 1,all companies will have to offer that option.