WWE Network (Canada)
| WWE Network | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Launched | August 12, 2014 |
| Owned by |
WWE (distributed by Rogers Media) |
| Country | Canada |
| Website | WWE Network |
|
Availability
|
|
| Satellite | |
| Bell TV | Channel 1446 (HD) |
| Shaw Direct | Channel 617 / 117 (HD) |
| Cable | |
| Cogeco | Channel 427 (SD) Channel 858 (HD) |
| Eastlink | Channel 430 (HD) |
| Rogers Cable | Channel 512 (HD) |
| Shaw | Channel 225 (HD) |
| Vidéotron | Channel 198 (SD) Channel 798 (HD) |
| IPTV | |
| Bell Aliant Fibe TV | Channel 138 (SD) Channel 638 (HD) |
| Bell Fibe TV | Channel 1446 (HD) |
| MTS | Channel 528 (SD) Channel 1528 (HD) |
| Optik TV | Channel 947 (HD) |
| SaskTel | Channel 241 (SD) Channel 541 (HD) |
| Zazeen | Channel 75 (HD) |
WWE Network is a Canadian English language specialty service programmed by WWE and distributed by Rogers Media.
The channel launched on August 12, 2014 using a dedicated channel within the existing Sportsnet PPV licence, similar to how Rogers initially distributed the Sportsnet World service. The channel is offered on a subscription basis on Rogers Cable and, according to Rogers, has been offered to all other cable, satellite, and IPTV service providers across Canada. Rogers has indicated that other providers have shown interest in carrying the channel, but that negotiations are ongoing and may "take some time".
Rogers also sponsored an application by WWE to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to add the WWE Network (U.S.) linear channel as a non-Canadian programming service authorized for distribution, which will ultimately replace the Rogers-operated PPV channel. This application was published on September 10, 2014, and was open for public comment until October 10.
The launch of WWE Network in Canada as a traditional cable TV channel is part of an exclusive Canadian distribution agreement between Rogers and WWE, which runs through 2024, and includes Rogers' Sportsnet 360 retaining exclusive rights to WWE's weekly programming (E!'s reality series Total Divas, which airs on its Canadian counterpart, owned by Bell Media, was not affected by this agreement). This means that Rogers controls the Canadian distribution of WWE Network and will not immediately be making it available on an over-the-top basis (i.e. without going through a service provider such as Rogers), though Rogers has not ruled out making it available via over-the-top (OTT) in the future.
On November 26, 2014, The CRTC approved adding the WWE Network to the list of non-Canadian programming services authorized for distribution (the list), part of the approval for the WWE Network. Rogers confirmed that the WWE Network service that it proposed to distribute in Canada would broadcast the same content as that broadcast by the WWE Network service in the United States and that the service would complement its other offerings, such as various sporting programs on Sportsnet 360 and live events on pay-per-view.
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