FCC Recertifies Boston to Regulate Comcast Rates

The Federal Communications Commission’s has recertified Boston to regulate basic rates of cable provider Comcast, a decision that comes only weeks before the National Cable & Telecommunications Association plans to hold its annual convention there.

But Comcast can stay that decision by seeking rate relief on alternate grounds, which it is expected to do. "Comcast faces real competition every day in Boston from DirecTV, Dish Network, and RCN," said the company in a statement. "With the amount of competition in the city, we expect to easily meet the so-called ‘Competing Provider' test, and we plan to refile as soon as possible as provided under the FCC Order. Importantly, Boston cannot re-regulate until the Commission acts on that filing. With the level of competition in the city, prices should be set by market forces, not by regulation." The city had petitioned the FCC to revoke its finding of effective competition made back in 2001, saying the situation had changed. The FCC agreed. It said that because overbuilder RCN passed less than a third 32.1% of the Boston market and had no plans to expand were decisive in determining that there was not effective competition from that overbuilder.