OTTAWA-The CRTC says it’s renewing the licences of most TV service providers for one year, rather than the usual seven-year term.

The federal regulator says the change will allow it to closely monitor the way companies implement the new TV choices that will be available to customers later this year.

Since March 1, licensed television service providers must offer a basic package priced at no more than $25 a month, not including the cost of equipment.

They must also offer additional channels either individually or in small packages of up to 10 channels.

Starting on Dec. 1, television service providers will have to offer customers the additional channels both individually and in small packages.

The CRTC says the new options will enable Canadians to create their own packages for TV services.