FCC: Cable Must Continue Analog Transmissions
The FCC has ruled that cable-TV providers must provide subscribers with
older analog-only TV sets analog versions of programs transmitted by
broadcast TV stations after they are ordered to switch to digital-only
transmissions in February 2009. The unanimous ruling would be in effect
for three years but could be renewed at the end of that period. The
National Cable & Telecommunications Assn., representing the cable
companies, had threatened to sue the FCC if the commission instituted
its original proposal to establish "must-carry analog" in perpetuity.
Nevertheless, some smaller, rural cable companies have indicated that
they will be financially unable to install the technical equipment
needed to meet the requirement even for three years. (It was not clear
whether cable companies intended to install the digital-to-analog
converters at their head end or in subscribers' homes, as settop boxes.)
Matthew M. Polka, president and CEO of the American Cable Association,
said that it will cost each cable operator $150,000 for equipment and
labor costs, making it "more difficult for operators of small systems to
stay in business." On the other hand, the National Association of
Broadcasters applauded the FCC's ruling as "an important step in
protecting analog-cable subscribers from losing access to some of the
most diverse programming on television."
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