A heads-up for  the country’s TV service providers – from The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission.

The CRTC is reminding the companies that they will soon have to begin offering and  promoting so-called “pick and pay” cable and satellite TV packages.

An information bulletin came out today- reminding the telecoms that they must promote this service in some way to consumers – in less than two weeks.

Under a March 1st deadline set by the CRTC, all Canadian TV providers must offer a basic package of channels priced $25 or less – and also offer either a la carte channel selection – or small bundles of channels.

These companies must offer all three options by December.

The new CRTC regulations came out of consultations with Canadians about TV choice and affordability.

VMedia has already announced its skinny package – with 28 channels for less than $18. And Shaw now offers a $25 limited-TV package with 40 channels.

None of  the other major TV providers: Bell,Telus or Rogers – have listed basic cable plans priced at $25 or less online.

But they aren’t required to do so until March 1st.