| 3/22/2007: FCC Initiates Rulemaking to Evaluate Access to Multiple Dwelling Units for Video Providers. The FCC may move to void exclusive contracts between MDU owners and video service providers.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Media Contact:
March 22, 2007 Clyde Ensslin (202) 418-0506
FCC Initiates Rulemaking to Evaluate Access to
Multiple Dwelling Units for Video Providers
Washington, DC – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on issues relating to the use of exclusive contracts for the provision of video services to multiple dwelling units (“MDUs”) or other real estate developments.
With this proceeding, the Commission is taking another step to foster greater competition in the market for the delivery of multichannel video programming. In this Notice, the Commission seeks comment on the use of exclusive contracts in the MDU video provider marketplace and the impact of their use on the federal goals of enhanced multichannel video competition and accelerated broadband deployment. Specifically:
- The Notice seeks comment on the current environment for service providers attempting to obtain access to MDUs or other real estate developments, including the use of exclusive contracts.
- The Notice seeks comment on the impact of exclusive contracts on consumer choice and video competition, and whether the use of exclusive contracts reduces the likelihood of competitive entry.
- The Notice tentatively concludes that the Commission has authority to regulate exclusive contracts for the provision of video services to MDUs or other real estate developments where it finds that such contracts may impede competition and impair deployment of those services.
- Finally, the Notice seeks comment on what specific steps the Commission should take to ensure that exclusive contracts do not unreasonably impede competitive video entry.
Action by the Commission, March 22, 2007, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 07-33).
Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, Tate, and McDowell. Separate statements issued by Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, Tate, and McDowell.
-- FCC --
News Release: Word | Acrobat
Martin Statement: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
Adelstein Statement: Word | Acrobat
Tate Statement: Word | Acrobat
McDowell Statement: Word | Acrobat
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