The FCC will start to enforce cable set-top box “common reliance” rules, a move intended to increase competition in the cable equipment marketplace.
The congressionally mandated rules in question require cable companies to provide the same security module—called a CableCARD—to customers whether they lease a set-top box from a cable provider or purchase their own at retail. The rules went into effect on July 1st.
The FCC has found that the rules provide cable companies with the incentive to make sure that the CableCARDs are fully functional when used in competitive equipment, including set-top boxes and cable-ready TVs.
Additionally, late last week the FCC denied a request from the National Cable and Telecommunications Association to waive the pro-competitive rules for the cable industry.
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