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NY Times

FCC Sets Sights on New Rules for a Device Found in Many Homes

Jan 27, 2016  •  Post A Comment

In a move that could have broad implications for the TV industry, the Federal Communications Commission has proposed new regulations for set-top boxes. The New York Times reports that the move could pave the way for tech companies such as Google, Amazon and Apple to “expand their footprints in the media industry with devices that would blend Internet and cable programming in a way the television industry has resisted.”

The proposal, announced today, “would make it much easier for subscribers of cable and satellite television to pick the boxes they use to watch programming,” The Times reports. “Nearly all customers now must get their boxes from their cable companies, and they pay an average of $231 a year to lease the devices.”

In a release announcing the proposal, the FCC said cable, satellite and telecommunications companies and their competitors “should be able to differentiate themselves and compete based on the experience they offer users, including the quality of the user interface and additional features like suggested content, integration with home entertainment systems, caller ID and future innovations.”

fcc-federal communications commission

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