| Contacts: | Jason Oxman tel: 703-907-7664 e-mail: joxman@CE.org |
Meghan Henning tel: 703-907-7654 e-mail: mhenning@CE.org |
CEA APPLAUDS FCC ACTION TO PROMOTE COMPETITION IN CABLE DEVICES MARKET
| LAS VEGAS, Nevada | 1/10/2007 |
The Media Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took action on various cable industry requests to waive rules regarding consumers' ability to obtain at retail a broad array of devices for accessing cable programming. In their waiver requests, the cable companies had asked the FCC to waive the requirement that they make operational the CableCARD™, which allows consumers to access programming without the need for a cable-provided set-top box.
The following statement can be attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA):
"The FCC has taken a strong stand for consumers and we applaud Chairman Martin for his dedication to the public interest. Competitive device manufacturers are eager to offer exciting new content devices to cable customers, and the FCC has assured consumers that innovation will not be stifled. By taking this action, the FCC ensures that consumers will finally realize the benefits of a competitive market for products that can connect to cable systems."