Over-the-air television signals may no longer be free after a Federal Court of Appeal decision cleared the way for broadcasters to charge satellite and TV cable providers for the right to transmit their programs.

In a 2-1 ruling, the court said regulators have authority to establish a regime allowing CTV, CBC and other broadcasters to negotiate fees that providers such as Rogers Cable would be charged for the signals.

Satellite and cable companies have warned that they will pass the costs directly onto consumers, estimating the charge will add $5 to $10 to monthly bills.

Rogers Communications Inc. vice-chair Phil Lind said Tuesday that the Toronto-based cable provider will seek leave to appeal the decision, suggesting that he expects other broadcasters to join the fight that could end up at the Supreme Court.

Private broadcasters complain their signals are picked up by satellite and cable companies without charge, warning that without a payment scheme they could be forced to close more local stations and cut Canadian productions.

But analysts said the court decision may be irrelevant given cross-ownership of media content and distribution assets, suggesting consumers would face a new charge but proceeds would just be shifted from one unit of a company to another.

The Harper government has not supported the initiative, citing the potential added cost for Canadian television subscribers. But the Canadian Radio-television Communications Commission has said Canadians can afford the extra cost.