Association Backs Cable ONE’s FCC Request
PITTSBURGH, December 1, 2008 – The American Cable Association (ACA) has officially filed its support for a recent request by Cable ONE for a waiver to deploy integrated HD-capable all-digital devices (HD ADDs) in its Dyersburg, Tennessee, area cable system (available here). Cable ONE’s request, filed on October 24, 2008, would enable subscribers to utilize low-cost integrated set-top boxes that are essential to providing affordable HD programming to the many of its Dyersburg subscribers.
“The fastest and cheapest way to provide consumers in small and rural markets with more HD programming choices, and broadband speeds that approach 100 Mbps is for operators in these areas to go all-digital,” ACA president and CEO Matthew M. Polka said. “Unfortunately, for many of ACA’s members, the digital set-top boxes that are required under existing rules are just too expensive to deploy. The use of HD ADDs gives cable operators a cost-effective way to transition to an all-digital network. Cable ONE’s Dyersburg system faces this challenge, and we urge the Commission to grant the waiver it needs to best serve Cable ONE’s customers.”
If approved, this waiver would enable Cable ONE to complete the transition of its Dyersburg area cable system to an all-digital platform within a year. It would allow Cable ONE to supply its Dyersburg customers with a low-cost HD ADD, which would be offered at no charge. By reclaiming bandwidth, Cable ONE’s customers would have access to more HD programming choices and more affordable HD content.
About the American Cable Association
Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing 1,100 smaller and medium-sized, independent cable companies who provide broadband services for more than 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 www.americancable.org.
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