NCTA Calls On FCC To Initiate Steps To Develop Robust Digital Set-Top Market

A robust retail market in digital set-tops has not materialized, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association says, and it is calling on the Federal Communications Commission to initiate a broad notice of inquiry to discover how, and whether, such a market can be achieved. That came in a letter to FCC Media Bureau Chief Bill Lake from NCTA President Kyle McSlarrow Friday and followed the FCC's announcement of a request for comment on spurring a market in set-tops that could deliver both cable and broadband video to TVs as a way of spurring broadband adoption--76% of homes have computers, over 99% have TVs. But NCTA wants the FCC to take the next step and open a notice of inquiry. We agree with NCTA President Kyle McSlarrow," said Public Knowledge President Gigi Sohn in a statement. "We also agree that the rules for set-top boxes and related devices should apply to all video providers."