VMedia, which operates an internet-based TV service in Ontario, has been approved to offer the same service across Canada.

The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission has awarded VMedia four licences for TV services across Canada.

VMedia is an internet service provider and provides access to television signals through an settop box.

In Ontario, it provides a basic package of 50 channels starting at $30 a month, and a premium package of 70 channels for $45. It could take three to six months for the service to roll out in other provinces.

The packages have all the major Canadian and U.S. networks and a selection of specialty channels, making them a close match to the new criteria for cable bundling set out by the CRTC earlier this year.

VMedia launched two years ago in Ontario, offering TV channels over the internet and will be the first ISP to begin providing TV across Canada as a full alternative to cable.

The TV signal comes over a home internet connection instead of cable or satellite.

The settop box also provides access to online content – such as Netflix, YouTube, games, music, social media and apps.