Comcast, NCTA Want FCC To Exempt HD DTAs For All Operators

Comcast and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association executives are urging the Federal Communications Commission to make the case that all cable operators -- not just those with bandwidth-constrained systems -- should be allowed to deploy low-cost high definition boxes with integrated security in an exemption of agency rules.

The FCC, at its April 21 open meeting, reportedly is considering proposing a "partial exemption" from the set-top box integration ban for cable systems running at 552 MHz or less so that such systems could deploy HD digital terminal adapters, or DTAs, which are designed to allow cable systems to free up spectrum by eliminating analog TV channels. Comcast and NCTA want the FCC to extend such a waiver of the so-called "integration ban" for HD DTAs to all cable operators.