BOSTON, May 18, 2016 – American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement in response to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler’s remarks at the INTX Show hosted by the National Cable & Telecommunications Association:
“Small and mid-sized broadband and voice providers, who are members of the American Cable Association, agree wholeheartedly with Chairman Wheeler that our customers should come first. That’s what ACA members are doing and will do – as long as they aren’t saddled with needless or burdensome regulation.
“Despite limited capital and modest profits, small and mid-sized providers are investing in innovative video services and solutions in navigation devices for their rural and urban customers. For example, many members offer TiVo devices and Moxi gateways that seamlessly integrate their video services with over-the-top services. Just yesterday, ACA member WideOpenWest announced that it is rolling out the eBOX, which is powered by TiVo’s software and user interface.
“Yet, even while these providers are innovating and meeting their customers’ needs, Chairman Wheeler marches in the wrong direction, insisting that we need hard and fixed mandates in a dynamic market that is working to increase choice and reduce price. ACA, which stands united with service and content providers and their vendors, urges the Chairman to step back and take a closer look at all of the benefits ACA members and other providers are bringing to consumers and at the significant harm his plan would cause small operators and their customers.”
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/