Ensuring rural access to reasonably priced video programming

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[Commentary] The ability of providers of all kinds -- but especially small, rural providers -- to obtain video content at affordable rates and under reasonable terms and conditions will not only improve competition in the video services market but will also spur broadband investment and adoption in rural service areas.

In its response to a House Commerce Committee’s white paper, the National Telephone Cooperative Association offers several simple, common sense updates to the laws that govern the video services marketplace. These updates are essential given the significant changes in video markets over the past 20-plus years since the laws were last updated. We think giving video providers the freedom to purchase broadcast content from neighboring markets would inject much-needed competitive market forces into a tired and protectionist retransmission consent regime, thereby enabling rural providers to pass cost-savings on to consumers. Also, the revised legislation should put control back in consumers’ hands by eliminating forced tying and tiering by all content providers. These practices unnecessarily increase rural providers’ and consumers’ costs and make it nearly impossible for providers to offer tailored, affordable service packages. We look to Congress as it proceeds with this important legislative update, and we encourage policymakers to ensure that any statutory update regarding video policy upholds the core principles of universal service, consumer protection and competition.

[Shirley Bloomfield is Chief Executive Officer of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association]


Ensuring rural access to reasonably priced video programming