New Leased Access Rules Released By FCC

FCC RELEASES LEASED ACCESS ORDER
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
The Federal Communications Commission released its Report and Order -- adopted November 27, 2007 -- which allows consumers to receive a broader and more diverse range of programming from their cable operators. Cable operators are required by statute to set aside channel capacity for commercial use by unaffiliated video programmers (leased access channels). Congress enacted the statute to promote competition in the delivery of diverse sources of video programming and bring about the widest possible diversity of information sources for cable subscribers. The Commission adopted this Order in response to comments from leased access programmers regarding slow response times to information requests and excessive rates and fees. The Order facilitates the use of leased access channels by adopting more specific leased access customer service standards and increased enforcement of those standards, faster cable operator response times to information requests and more appropriate leased access rates. The Order also expedites the leased access complaint process and improves the discovery process related to leased access disputes. The Commission also adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comments on applying the revised rate methodology to programmers transmitting predominantly sales presentations or program length commercials, which are excluded from November's revisions.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-278453A1.doc
* Report & Order
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-208A1.doc

* New Leased Access Rules Released By FCC
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Ted Hearn]
The Federal Communications Commission released on Friday new cable leased access rules adopted last November that cap rates at 10 cents per month, per subscriber, an estimated 75% reduction from the current maximum. The new rate cap does not take effect immediately as the agency has decided to give cable operators 90 days to adjust to the new regime. The 90 days begins to toll when the rules are published in the Federal Register, which could take a few more weeks.
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6528362.html?nid=4262