PITTSBURGH, August 15, 2011 – American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement regarding Google’s proposed acquisition of Motorola Mobility, a major supplier of technology and equipment to the cable operator industry:
“We’re going to review the deal to understand the impact on the cable set-top box market, which has been a frustrating one for small cable operators long beholden to the Motorola-Cisco duopoly. For many cable operators, the question is whether Google’s takeover of Motorola as one of only two major manufacturers will make things better or worse. ACA members will want assurances from Google that it is both committed to the cable business model and won’t use its market power to run roughshod over smaller cable operators.
“Moreover, the future holds great promise for rural consumers as small cable operators explore IP- and cloud-based solutions in offering video to subscribers on TVs, PCs and mobile devices. Prior to today’s Motorola Mobility announcement, Google has had its own interests in all of these areas, and it will be important that Google’s other business interests do not unduly harm the growth of these new competitive market opportunities.
“As the review of the merger advances, ACA looks forward to discussions with Google on these issues and other topics important to small cable operators that will expand consumer choice for products and services offered through traditional channels of communication and online.”
About the American Cable Association
Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing nearly 900 smaller and medium-sized, independent cable companies who provide broadband services for more than 7.6 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/