Public Knowledge Urges FCC Chairman Pai to End Cable Box Ripoff

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Despite the change in administration, the Federal Communications Commission has a law to abide by and an obligation to implement. Section 629 of the Communications Act is the law of the land, and it directs the FCC to ensure that consumers can choose from a competitive market for 'unaffiliated' devices that can access their complete cable TV or other pay-TV subscriptions. Ending the set-top box monopoly would bring the benefits of competition, including lower prices and better devices, to cable subscribers. Consumers currently spend about $20 billion a year for overpriced boxes they aren’t allowed to dump. They should be able to access online and cable programming in one integrated interface, boosting programming diversity and allowing access to alternative viewpoints. Despite the FCC’s recent efforts on this issue, the law has not been enforced and consumers continue to be burdened by a multi-billion dollar set-top box ripoff. Chairman Pai should continue the FCC’s work to bring consumers relief in this matter.


Public Knowledge Urges FCC Chairman Pai to End Cable Box Ripoff