TiVo, Public Knowledge Recognize Smaller MVPDs Warrant Relief From FCC’s Proposed Set-Top Box Regs

Proponents Of FCC Proposal Acknowledge Smaller MVPDs Face
Disproportionate Challenges In Compliance

PITTSBURGH–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the
following statement in response to filings by TiVo and Public Knowledge
in the Federal Communications Commission’s set-top box proceeding, where
each of these proponents for the proposed set-top box requirements
recognizes that smaller MVPDs would face unique compliance challenges
and therefore warrant relief from imposition of the rules:

“The FCC’s set-top box proposal would have a devastating impact on
smaller multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs), driving
many out of the traditional video business and causing others to raise
customer rates significantly. ACA accordingly urged the FCC to terminate
its rulemaking without adopting new rules. If the FCC nevertheless moves
forward, ACA urged the agency not to apply its proposed regulations to
smaller providers.

“Other groups representing smaller MVPDs also supported such relief in
submitted comments, including NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association and
WTA-Advocates for Rural Broadband.

“ACA is heartened that TiVo and Public Knowledge — both outspoken
proponents of the FCC’s proposal — also recognize that smaller MVPDs
could be disproportionately burdened. In its comments, TiVo supported
exempting MVPDs with one million or fewer subscribers from the proposed
requirements. Public Knowledge, in its comments, expressly stated no
objection to giving smaller operators extra time to determine how best
to comply or greater flexibility with respect to compliance. Other key
proponents also raised no objections.

“ACA believes TiVo and Public Knowledge’s stance sends a strong signal
to the FCC that, if it moves forward with its proposal, relief for
smaller MVPDs is justified.”

About the American Cable Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the
American Cable Association is a trade organization representing nearly
750 smaller and medium-sized, independent cable companies who provide
broadband services for nearly 7 million cable subscribers primarily
located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America. Through
active participation in the regulatory and legislative process in
Washington, D.C., ACA’s members work together to advance the interests
of their customers and ensure the future competitiveness and viability
of their business. For more information, visit http://www.americancable.org/

Contacts

American Cable Association
Ted Hearn, 202-713-0826
thearn@americancable.org