April 27, 2016

TiVo, Public Knowledge Recognize Smaller MVPDs Warrant Relief From FCC’s Proposed Set-Top Box Regs

Proponents Of FCC Proposal Acknowledge Smaller MVPDs Face Disproportionate Challenges In Compliance

PITTSBURGH, April 27, 2016 – American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement in response to filings by TiVo and Public Knowledge in the Federal Communications Commission’s set-top box proceeding, where each of these proponents for the proposed set-top box requirements recognizes that smaller MVPDs would face unique compliance challenges and therefore warrant relief from imposition of the rules:

“The FCC’s set-top box proposal would have a devastating impact on smaller multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs), driving many out of the traditional video business and causing others to raise customer rates significantly.  ACA accordingly urged the FCC to terminate its rulemaking without adopting new rules.  If the FCC nevertheless moves forward, ACA urged the agency not to apply its proposed regulations to smaller providers.

“Other groups representing smaller MVPDs also supported such relief in submitted comments, including NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association and WTA-Advocates for Rural Broadband.

“ACA is heartened that TiVo and Public Knowledge — both outspoken proponents of the FCC’s proposal — also recognize that smaller MVPDs could be disproportionately burdened.  In its comments, TiVo supported exempting MVPDs with one million or fewer subscribers from the proposed requirements.  Public Knowledge, in its comments, expressly stated no objection to giving smaller operators extra time to determine how best to comply or greater flexibility with respect to compliance.  Other key proponents also raised no objections.

“ACA believes TiVo and Public Knowledge’s stance sends a strong signal to the FCC that, if it moves forward with its proposal, relief for smaller MVPDs is justified.”

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/