FCC – Cable Companies Too Dominant
There is some indication that the FCC just may level the playing field when it comes to cable companies and open the market up to other competitors. If the FCC does decide to make any changes, they could happen sometime this month according to an article over at the New York Times. It appears that the FCC does have the authority to regulate more closely the actions of the cable companies, which seems to have come under fire for high cable tv rates.
According to the Times:
The finding, under a law that gives the commission expanded powers over the cable television industry if it becomes too big, is expected to be announced this month. It is a major departure for the agency and the industry, which was deregulated by an act of Congress in 1996.
Officials say the finding could lead to more diverse programs; consumer groups say it could also lead to lower rates.
Heavily promoted by those groups and by the commissions Republican chairman, Kevin J. Martin, the decision would be a notable exception to the broad deregulatory policies of the Bush administration. Officials in various agencies have relaxed industry regulations and have chosen not to challenge big corporate mergers.
More competition and lower rates would be nice for all of us who use cable services.
Comments welcome.
[tags]fcc, cable, competition, lower rates, regulations, [/tags]
