CableVision has dropped channels 7 and 9.

The company stopped carrying the Bermuda Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) channels at 5 p.m. today.

On January 9, Chief Justice Richard Ground ruled the Telecommunications Commission could not prevent Bermuda CableVision from dropping the BBC’s two local channels – clearing a legal hurdle for the company which says it does not want to pay for the service.

CableVision had been continuing to carry channels 7 and 9 while evaluating how to proceed, but a spokeswoman said today: “Bermuda CableVision today announces that, in light of Bermuda Broadcasting Corporation’s continued demand for payment to carry its channels over CableVision’s network, CableVision must remove local broadcast channels 7 and 9 from its system, effective today at 5 pm.”

Terry Roberson, CableVision’s general manager, said: “Our position remains the same: we simply do not believe our customers should have to pay for a service that is free to others by using an off-air antenna. All our efforts with respect to this issue have been designed to protect the interests of our customers, and that means not raising rates needlessly.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience, and hope our customers will understand our position and our ongoing commitment to defending their interests.”

Customers should log onto: www.cablevision.bm for more information.