US and Timeshifting channels on the Fibe TV App

[Peter]

I have a number of channels on my Bell TV package that cannot be accessed on the Fibe TV App ie. CBS, NBC and ABC including timeshifting. This is very annoying since I am paying for services that are not available across all my devices. Is anyone else experiencing this problem?

[AlexS]

Is that satellite tv? Including timeshift? U mean the whole pack or simply those local stations from other areas? I’m w/ Fibe but never had this issue.

[Peter]

Yes I have Bell TV which used to be called Bell Satellite (I have a Bell dish on my roof). I do get the majority of my channels on the app but do not receive some American channels ie. CBS, NBC and ABC. I have time shifting which means I also get these stations in western regions on my Smart TV but I don't get them on the app. When I try to click on these US stations on the app I get a message  stating that they are not available. Not sure why that is since I pay for them with my Bell service. 

[AlexS]

someone else also complaint ab not getting channels on the app w/ satellite tv plan.

[Peter]

Thanks for this Alex. I think that I will call Bell and see what they have to say. After doing some research, I suspect that the App is not licenced for US channels as it can only be used in Canada. I'll let you know what they have to say.

[Peter]

Hi again Alex. I spoke with a Bell rep and they confirmed what I thought was the case. Apparently some channels available on my receiver are not able to be streamed in the app. It has to do with licensing issues. If the channel is being simulcasted on a Canadian network you will be able view it. Annoying not to have access on the app to services I pay for on my receiver but that is the situation. 

[AlexS]

"If the channel is being simulcasted on a Canadian network"? U mean u can only view Canadian channels on the fibe tv app right?

[Peter]

I believe that is correct Alex. I recall being able to watch a sporting event that was on CBS and simulcast on TSN. I don’t recall what channel I watched it on but will check it out the next opportunity. Hope that helps. 

[AlexS]

What ab other American channels in this pack? Like ktla, wpix, wgn & peach tree. It might be the local stations’ decisions. I’m in mtl and all the US channels r available on any platforms.

[Peter]

I’m in Ontario and have other US channels available.  All are available on my TV but the app is the problem. So far it is only CBS NBC and ABC are a problem. CNN was available on the app so I think it is the major US broadcast networks that are a licensing problem. 

[Denden22]

I have the same issue.  But it's not just the American channels that are not available on the app.  NTV 1008 and TVO 265 are both Canadian.  I can watch them on my satellite receiver but not on the Bell Fibe app.

[BellPatricia · Accepted solution]

Hey everyone! Great conversation 🙂
@Peter you are correct. Some stations do not have mobile licensing. 

[AlexS]

Seems like for suggestion only. Not very accurate. For example, NTV and TVO mentioned by @Denden22 don't have "2Only available in select areas. This channel is not available with Fibe TV app" notation while actually none of the omni r available at least in QC without Fibe TV. I saw the on demand tag all the same when with ALT but never found a way to order them. Additionally, at least News Forum and Fox Racing r missing. Both of them don't allow playback on the app with any basic pack. CHCH don't have on-demand for the app. It's only available in the box and without the very vital playback function just like all other channels' on-demand sec on dvr. Meanwhile there's no notation at all for this channel. And I don't remember seeing any of the TSN channel is grey during my valid ALT subscription. There's possible more bugs in this list but I don't want to spend extra money to test them out.

[Wakka197]

I like coming to see in forums casue there is something I learn or there a issue going . So I have learned . 

[AXUM9]

Recently when using my phone or my laptop while I’m out of town I’m getting the message “Content only available to watch at home and connected to your Bell Wifi” while trying to watch most channels. Why is that? This is while using Bell Fibe Alt Tv. The reason I subscribed was to watch TV while I travel. I’ve used it for two years without an issue.