The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued an Enforcement Advisory for cable operators regarding their obligations to consumers under the Commission’s new cable card rules.
Cable card technology now makes it possible for consumers with digital cable-ready televisions to avoid renting a set-top box from cable operators, and even to purchase their own set-top box and avoid operator rental charges. However, the Commission has received numerous complaints from consumers about the process of obtaining cable cards from cable operators, and about inaccurate or misleading information presented by some cable operators about cable card technology.
As of August 8, 2011, cable operators must comply with a number of new rules regarding cable cards, including the following requirements:
- Provide consumers with accurate information about the capability of retail cable card-compatible devices.
- Offer discounted package services for subscribers who do not rent set-top boxes from the operator.
- Offer uniform pricing for cable cards, and prominently disclose cable card fees.
- Permit consumer installation of cable cards.
