Cable Operators: OVDs Are Not MVPDs

Cable operators told the Federal Communications again that it should define MVPD as the combination of multiple video programming streams and the transmission path, which would mean legacy regulations like program access and carriage and exclusivity would not apply to online video distributors (OVDs).

The National Cable & Telecommunications Association made that point clear in its initial comments to the FCC May 14, and nothing in the ensuing comment period has changed its mind. In its reply comments, filed Wednesday, NCTA said that the definition of MVPD depends on the definition of channel -- NCTA's response is to the FCC's request for comment on the definitions of both as they related to a program access complaint filed by over-the-top provider Sky Angel against Discovery.