Satellite Radio channels 965 and 966 missing

[Satguy]

Channels 965 and 966 have been carrying two US National Public Radio stations for years. 965 was WBUR-Boston and 966 was KUOW-Seattle. They no longer appear on my all-sub menu. Is this temporary or permanent?

[WelshTerrier]

Good Day.

Please refer to the following for a complete listing of the Bell Satellite TV channels that are included in your package. Select > View My Channel lineup. If you are missing a channe,l there is a video tutorial included on this page.

Channels & Programming - Bell Satellite TV Customer Support

Channel Listings Satellite TV - Current as of October 15, 2024. *Available only in select regions.

Bell Satellite TV Program-Channel.pdf

Take care.

[Satguy]

WelshTerrier,

Thanks for the list. But those are TV channels. 965 and 966 were among the audio-only channels. The list you linked to does not cover the audio channels.

[dks]

Thank you for your question. I checked my own Bell Satellite TV guide and found that the two channels, 965 and 966, were not there. I also found a message on channel 979 RAD3 which said, Important Message. Press INFO. I did and this message appeared. "Please note that some radio channels are going away as of November 19th." The announcement was dated 23-10-24. That suggests they are gone for good. This also suggests we might pay more attention to the INFO channels going forward. 

Using @WelshTerrier 's list, it can be sorted by channel, highest to lowest and vice versa. Among all the radio stations, I see that every American radio station as well as some Canadian regional radio stations are gone, as well. 

[Satguy]

Thanks @dks. Very helpful.

[BellNick · Accepted solution]

Hi there @Satguy 
Thank you for your post and welcome to the Community.
As of September 17th, some radio station channels are being removed. I can confirm that these two indicated stations (Channel 965 & 966) were part of the removal. The radio stations being removed / have been removed are:
 

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Community
 

[kevmakeck11]

Thank you BellNick... I am a new member to the community and came on to find out about the loss of these radio stations too. NPR especially had some programs that I loved listening to, along with the Toronto sports stations. Does Bell plan on compensating subscribers for this loss? Maybe add some channels for free? I also miss the loss of CTV Kitchener awhile back, why don't they extend members an olive branch in good faith? It's no wonder people are dropping their packages in favour of streaming services

[dks]

Thank you for your question. CTV Kitchener (aka CKCO) is available on Bell Satellite TV 584 if you have a specific package. It is also on Fibe TV at 1505, at least on my app. Again, that is related to my specific package. All of the CTV stations in Ontario are now carrying network programming (CTV Toronto) with breakaways for local news in the evening, I believe.

[kevmakeck11]

Yes, it was mainly for the local news that I wanted CKCO... thank you, will have a look for 584.

[Norm- 815]

Why were they removed? And as such, is our monthly cost going to be reduced? You've just cut a blind person off from her world. 

[dks]

Thank you for your question. I have not seen a reason why those stations have been removed. I can speculate and suggest that often it has to do with licensing issues (it always costs to carry channels) or CRTC rules on what Broadcast Distribution Units (BDU) like Bell can carry. Bell has also been moving channel assignments around in preparation for the change in channels on January 1, 2025. I have not seen any notice of cost reduction, only a notice of an increase for Satellite TV of $3.50 per service effective January 1, 2025. 

[DP]

I have called tech support 4 times, did all sorts of troubleshooting, once they sent a tech to the house, got new smart cards for all receivers, I was told they opened a trouble ticket for second level support (which I never did hear back from) and finally on the 5th call (to activate a new smart card) I asked again about missing channel 954, and after 40 minutes of more troubleshooting they tell me the radio channels are being dropped.  Then I do an internet search and find this post. Unbelievable how much time I’ve wasted.  I’m done. Now I need to find the cancellation dept. It’s Starlink and streaming for this rural customer. 

[donk]

I just had a similar experience. Called tech support, they couldn't figure anything out so sent a technician who also couldn't figure anything out. I was about to call again and decided to check the community forum and found this thread. 1) I am very disappointed with the removal of the two sports radio stations, I listened to these everyday. 2) I am very frustrated with the time I have wasted trying to figure out what is going on. There was no communication from Bell that these channels were being dropped. When I sign in to my account online and check my channel lineup they still show there and when I review the different channel packages they are still listed there as well. How is it possible that tech support would not be aware these channels are no longer offered? Bell - please bring these channels back!

[DP]

Just wait, and check your bill!!  After all the hassle I went through there was a $75 service charge on my next bill!!  At no time did any tech support let me know that any of THEIR solutions could result in a service charge.  In fact on support call #3 I think the support person offered a credit of like $8 or something (which made no sense to me), but then on the same bill showed that credit also showed a $75 service charge.  Yes of course I called back and they are apparently reversing that charge, but I can't help but feel like they just charged it because they assume most people won't notice.  It's all so shady to me.  They should be forced to tell customers that it's coming before a service charge is ever applied.