The following statement is attributed to Harold Feld, legal director of Public Knowledge:
“Today’s FCC action on CableCard is a good step forward for consumers. As a result of the Commission’s actions customers using third-party set-top boxes will have full access to all channels, some of which they may have been denied before.
“Now, consumers will be able to install their own CableCard s provided that manufacturers include instructions and, importantly, the Commission will limit the ability of cable systems to subsidize their own boxes with service costs, which puts competitive devices at a disadvantage.
“We are also pleased that the Commission put CableLabs on notice that it should be a neutral party in certifying cable-compliant devices, and should not use ‘technical certification’ as a means to hinder competition.”
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.