Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

FCC to Strike Down Exclusive Cable Deals

Likely to cut prices; Verizon, AT&T set to offer multi-services

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 29, 2007 4:01 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Federal Communications Commission is set to strike down thousands of exclusive contracts between cable companies and apartment buildings this week, a move officials say will drive down prices as it increases competition. Consumer groups have lobbied hard for the change as have companies such as Verizon and AT&T who want to move in to offer packages of TV, internet and phone services on a single bill.

In many places, companies and landlords have signed contracts naming a particular firm the sole provider of cable services in a building for years. Government and private studies show that a competing provider can lower prices as much as 30%. Cable companies argue that they often trade structural upgrades for long-term guarantees, making long-term contracts beneficial for everyone involved.

Verizon logo (Getty Images)

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) commissioner Michael Copps speaks during the annual FCC Breakfast at the National Association of Broadcasters conference in Las Vegas in this April 17, 2007 file... (Associated Press)

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin J. Martin, left, looks on as commissioner Michael J. Copps, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington in this Feb. 1, 2007 file photo. (AP Photo/Manuel... (Associated Press)

Verizon lobbied for the decision the FCC is expected to make this week banning exclusive contracts between apartment buildings and cable companies. (Associated Press)

The AT&T logo. (Getty Images (by Event))

AT&T logo (Getty Images)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

TV Newbie Verizon to FCC: Help Cable Users Switch

Move highlights telecom turf war

(NEWSER) - As Verizon rolls out its subscription-TV service, the company has asked the FCC to make the switch from cable easier for consumers, the Washington Post reports. In its petition, Verizon asked for the authority to shut off its customers’ cable services on their behalf, arguing that the switchover process is “cumbersome” for customers who must do it themselves. More»

Analog Service Hanging Up on Customers

Digital networks soon only option, but service has its kinks

(NEWSER) - Phone customers still dialing up using old analog networks will be out of luck—and service—beginning Feb. 18 when the nation’s wireless companies shut down the outdated technology and switch to digital. Of the quarter-billion American cell phone users, the vast majority use digital networks, but some 1 million people still phone the old way, reports the Washington Post. More»

FCC: Economy Could Dampen Wireless Sale

In credit crunch, smaller bidders face capital shortage

(NEWSER) - FCC head Kevin Martin registered concern this week about the impact of the credit crunch on the government auction of wireless airwaves scheduled to begin Jan. 24, Reuters reports. The auction, which Congress has ordered to go forward, comes at a time when the meltdown of housing and subprime mortgage markets has battered the ability of companies to raise capital. More»

FCC Chief Backs Down on Cable Plans

Martin's data slammed; vote on more regulation delayed until next year

(NEWSER) - FCC boss Kevin Martin has lost a big battle in his attempt to tighten up regulation of cable TV, reports the New York Times. After strenuous efforts by cable lobbyists leading up to a heated meeting last night, Martin agreed to push back until next year a vote on expanding the FCC's powers to regulate the industry. Haggling with opponents on the commission over a compromise had delayed the meeting twelve hours. More»

FCC Chief May Not Have Votes to Curb Cable

Martin is struggling for majority of 5-member commission

(NEWSER) - FCC chief Kevin Martin may not have the votes he needs to initiate regulation of the cable industry, reports the New York Times. Martin has scheduled a vote for tomorrow to approve a formal finding that the cable industry has grown too big, which would give the commission power to step in. Democrat Jonathan Adelstein, one of the commission's five members, has switched sides, saying more time is needed before the vote. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

FCC to Strike Down Exclusive Cable Deals

Likely to cut prices; Verizon, AT&T set to offer multi-services

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

television • FCC • cable TV • Verizon • AT and T • regulation

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

TV Newbie Verizon to FCC: Help Cable Users Switch

Move highlights telecom turf war

Analog Service Hanging Up on Customers

Digital networks soon only option, but service has its kinks

FCC: Economy Could Dampen Wireless Sale

In credit crunch, smaller bidders face capital shortage

FCC Chief Backs Down on Cable Plans

Martin's data slammed; vote on more regulation delayed until next year

FCC Chief May Not Have Votes to Curb Cable

Martin is struggling for majority of 5-member commission

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?

FCC to Strike Down Exclusive Cable Deals

Likely to cut prices; Verizon, AT&T set to offer multi-services

Bookmark & Share

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

television • FCC • cable TV • Verizon • AT and T • regulation

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

TV Newbie Verizon to FCC: Help Cable Users Switch

Move highlights telecom turf war

Analog Service Hanging Up on Customers

Digital networks soon only option, but service has its kinks

FCC: Economy Could Dampen Wireless Sale

In credit crunch, smaller bidders face capital shortage

FCC Chief Backs Down on Cable Plans

Martin's data slammed; vote on more regulation delayed until next year

FCC Chief May Not Have Votes to Curb Cable

Martin is struggling for majority of 5-member commission

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?