FCC Approves Verizon Set-Top Box Waiver Request

The FCC late last week acted on several requests for waivers of its new set-top box rules, attracting criticism and praise in the process.

One of the waivers it granted favored Verizon Communications Inc., much to the chagrin of the incumbent cable industry.

The agency’s Media Bureau approved Verizon’s request for a temporary waiver of rules requiring cable operators to separate their security and navigation functions by putting them into a CableCARD, which can be used in televisions and set-top boxes made by other manufacturers. The rule applies to set-top boxes distributed after July 1.

Verizon said the waiver is good for the company – which has been rolling out its fiber-based FiOS Internet and TV service – because it is working to provide a cable alternative to consumers. The fewer regulations, the better the competition, it has argued.

Meanwhile, the FCC denied the National Cable & Telecommunications Association’s request for a waiver of the integration ban for all cable operators. The American Cable Association (ACA) saw that as a loss for smaller cable companies and their subscribers. The group said it was unfair that Verizon got relief while small, independent operators operating on much smaller budgets, did not.

“At a time when consumer prices are rising, it is inexplicable that the FCC Media Bureau would deny small cable operators’ waiver requests and force their subscribers to pay $2 to $3 or more per month for new cable boxes,” said Matthew Polka, president and CEO. “Policymakers at the FCC appear out of touch with consumers in underserved areas whose cable companies are already trying to manage the costs of upgrading their facilities to provide advanced voice, video and data services, and to prepare for the digital transition.”

FCC www.fcc.gov
National Cable & Telecommunications Association www.ncta.com Verizon Communications Inc. www.verizon.com

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