Verizon Gave FCC Last-Minute Digital-Video Pledge

VERIZON GAVE FCC LAST MINUTE DIGITAL-VIDEO PLEDGE
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Todd Spangler]
Verizon Communications on June 29 informed the Federal Communications Commission that it would eventually move to all-digital video distribution, hours before the agency issued an order exempting the phone company from the integrated set-top ban based on that commitment. Late last Friday, the FCC’s Media Bureau granted waivers of the July 1 ban to Verizon and about 120 other video providers that currently have all-digital networks or have promised to convert to all-digital transmission by Feb. 17, 2009. Meanwhile, the agency denied requests by the National Cable & Telecommunications Association and 10 cable operators. The FCC said all-digital video providers will support the agency’s mandate requiring TV broadcasters to provide digital-only transmission by February 2009. All-digital cable and telco TV networks also will “enable expanded service offerings, promote efficient use of the spectrum, deliver broadband services, spur competitive entry and expand universal service,” the FCC said.
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6457745.html

* AT&T: No Need For FCC Set-Top Waiver
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6457755.html

* ACA asks Congress to put FCC on a leash
[SOURCE: CedMagazine.com, AUTHOR: Brian Santo]
The American Cable Association (ACA) blasted the Federal Communications Commission, saying it was inexplicable that the commission granted a set-top box waiver request to communications giant Verizon while denying similar waivers to any more small cable operators. The organization called for increased Congressional oversight of the commission.
http://www.cedmagazine.com/article.aspx?id=150132