| Contacts: | Megan Pollock tel: 703-907-7668 e-mail: mpollock@CE.org |
Megan Pollock tel: 703-907-7668 e-mail: mpollock@CE.org |
CEA CALLS NCTA EXTENSION REQUEST UNBELIEVABLE
Fourth Time NCTA Seeks Delay to Defy Congressional Will
| Arlington, Virginia | 8/16/2006 |
The following statement was issued today by Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) President and CEO Gary Shapiro regarding the National Cable and Telecommunications Association's (NCTA) request for waiver of consumer reliance on security devices:
"While we are not surprised to see this request from NCTA, we are still deeply troubled. This request is in line with previous actions of the cable industry including a lawsuit challenging the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) authority, multiple waiver requests and misrepresentation to consumers of CableCARD availability.
"While NCTA claims this delay would benefit consumers, we believe this action is anti-competitive, anti-consumer and may stifle the success of the transition to digital television. NCTA is proving once again that the cable industry is not committed to competition.
"As Congress intended, common reliance will benefit consumers by enabling manufacturers to provide a broad array of products that can connect to cable systems featuring innovative new features for competitive prices. We believe the Commission will do what is best for competition and consumers and will deny this requests."
ABOUT CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.
CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.
Related attachments:
CEA Calls NCTA Extension Request Unbelievable