Access to Multiple Dwelling Units for Video Providers

FCC INITIATES RULEMAKING TO EVALUATE ACCESS TO MULTIPLE DWELLING UNITS FOR VIDEO PROVIDERS
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
The FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on issues relating to the use of exclusive contracts for the provision of video services to multiple dwelling units ("MDUs") or other real estate developments. With this proceeding, the Commission is taking another step to foster greater competition in the market for the delivery of multichannel video programming. In this Notice, the Commission seeks comment on the use of exclusive contracts in the MDU video provider marketplace and the impact of their use on the federal goals of enhanced multichannel video competition and accelerated broadband deployment.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-271706A1.doc

* FCC Asserts Authority To Regulate Exclusive MDU Contracts
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6426869?title=Article&spacede...
* FCC Looks to Void High-Rise Cable Contracts
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6427128.html?display=Breaking+News

* MAP Statement in response to FCC inside wiring NPRM
Harold Feld: "This action has the potential to bring the benefits of competition to millions of apartment renters, many of whom live in low-income neighborhoods. Hopefully, access to competing providers will lower costs and improve customer service for these communities. Landlords and incumbent monopolists have no right to collude to deny citizens the freedom to choose what they see, how they access the internet, and how they talk to one another. But as Commissioner McDowell made clear, the Commission must ensure that the freedom to choose extends to _all_ communications services – video, voice and data. If the final rule permits exclusive contracts in voice or data, the Commission will have failed in its responsibility to protect all Americans from incumbent monopolists.”
http://www.mediaaccess.org/press/MAP%20Statement%20on%20MDU%20Order.pdf