PITTSBURGH, May 27, 2016 – American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement in response to a letter co-signed by a bipartisan group of 10 U.S. Senators to the Federal Communications Communication, expressing concern that the FCC’s set-top proposal would put additional burdens on the smallest pay-TV providers, which could significantly reduce options for consumers in most rural areas. The Senators have requested that the FCC delay the set-top box proceedings to study the specific costs and impacts on rural consumers and small pay-TV providers:
“ACA applauds this bipartisan group of Senators for standing up for consumers in hard-to-reach rural areas who depend on vital services from smaller pay-TV providers. The Senators, consistent with ACA’s own advocacy at the FCC, rightly point out the harm the FCC’s set-top box proposal would have on these consumers and their providers. As ACA has previously noted, the FCC’s proposal would force more than 200 small providers to either go out of business or cease offering video service, leaving their customers with fewer competitive options. ACA would especially like to thank Sens. Daines and Tester for bringing together this bipartisan group of their colleagues to raise the alarm about the burden of this proposal on those who can least afford to comply.”
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 https://acaconnects.org/