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FCC proposes equal access to TV channels for OTT providers

2014-10-29 08:54:00| Telecompaper Headlines

(Telecompaper) The US Federal Communications Commission has proposed equal access to cable TV channels for internet-based TV providers. Satellite providers have had the same protection sicne 1992, and the FCC now wants to ensure that online providers can compete as well with the same programming as cable. The change to regulation proposed by FCC chairman Tom Wheeler would see the interpretation of the term "multichannel video programming distributor" changed to be technology-neutral. The result would give MVPDs that use internet delivery (or any other method of transmission) the same access to programming owned by cable operators and the same ability to negotiate to carry broadcast TV stations. The FCC expects this could encourage OTT providers to offer smaller or specialized packages of video programming, so consumers will be able to mix-and-match to suit their tastes and not have to pay for large packages with channels they don't watch. Aereo, the online TV provider recently shutdown by a lawsuit from broadcasters, recently visited the Commission to lobby for the change in MPVD definition. The FCC expects the change could also help the spread of broadband services in the US. An improved TV offering will help ISPs better market their broadband packages. 

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