CEA Calls NCTA Encryption Proposal 'Utterly Insufficient'

The Consumer Electronics Association said the cable industry's proposal for the six biggest MSOs to let IP-based devices access encrypted programming via low-cost adapters or licensed technology is fundamentally flawed.

Last month, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association floated a proposal with the Federal Communications Commission to let third-party devices access encrypted basic-tier programming. Cable operators want the agency to lift the 18-year-old ban on encrypting basic cable as they look to cut theft of service by broadband-only subscribers. Under the NCTA proposal, the six largest U.S. operators would provide either an IP-based adapter for decrypting TV signals for no charge to subscribers or would license the relevant content-security technology to manufacturers. The trade group suggested the commitments last for three years and recommended that other cable operators beyond the six biggest MSOs also be permitted to encrypt the basic tier. But the consumer-electronics industry wants much firmer concessions before it's willing to let MSOs fully flip the crypto switch. The complained that the NCTA's proposal does not define the devices or interfaces; that the MSOs' licensing and certification commitments are "lacking or insufficient"; and that the three-year sunset makes the options unworkable for competitive device entry.