Set-Top Box Proposal Is Out

One of the last major areas of focus for former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler was a requirement that video providers make their set-top box technology open for third-party box-makers to jump into the marketplace.

Now that effort appears to be gone with Wheeler as the new FCC is taking shape. Many consumer groups had heralded the third-party boxes as a path to eliminating equipment rental and setup fees from video providers; however, the possibility of ensuring quality service to a multitude of cable-box brands and platforms would have likely produced significant challenges for small providers like TTA members.

Here’s a roundup of news on the set-top box proposal:

Forbes: Why The FCC Abandoned Its Set-Top Box Proposal
LA Times Opinion: New FCC chairman gives monthly cable box fees a renewed lease on life
CNET: FCC cable set-top rules headed for regulatory graveyard
Engadget: GOP pushes new FCC chief to kill set-top box rental proposal