Statements of NCTA – The Internet and Television Association Regarding Actions at Today’s FCC Meeting
On Leased Commercial Action: “We applaud the Commission’s action recognizing that the constitutionality of the leased access regime is in substantial doubt in today's competitive marketplace and revising its rate formula to mitigate the burdens the regime imposes. The leased access regime is a relic of the past that continues to burden cable operators' speech based on a video marketplace that no longer exists. In today's world, commercial video providers have innumerable ways to reach consumers and consumers can access an incredible variety of programming on an ever-expanding number of
Statement of NCTA – The Internet and Television Association Regarding Introduction of the Broadband Adoption and Opportunity Act
“We commend Rep. O’Halleran and co-sponsor Rep. Johnson and for introducing the Broadband Adoption and Opportunity Act. This legislation creates a pilot program to support the availability of refurbished internet-capable devices available to low-income consumers through public-private partnerships that address an often overlooked barrier to broadband adoption. The bill will also encourage greater attention on the variety of factors impeding broadband adoption through the development of best practices bringing needed attention to successful strategies that help consumers make lasting
Statement of NCTA – The Internet and Television Association Regarding Introduction of the Rural Broadband Acceleration Act
“As the COVID pandemic has reinforced the national priority of connecting every American to broadband, we commend the bipartisan, bicameral leadership of Whip Clyburn, Rep. Upton and Senators Portman, Brown, Bennet, Braun and Jones for introducing legislation that will speed the delivery of federal funding to unserved communities and promote greater competition in the provision of broadband infrastructure. Importantly, this legislation eliminates the outdated state ETC requirement which uniquely discourages qualified broadband providers from participating in federal universal service programs
Statement of Michael Powell, President & CEO of NCTA – The Internet and Television Association, Regarding Introduction of the Expanding Opportunities for Broadband Deployment Act
“As America continues to wrestle with the devastating impact of the COVID pandemic, it has become clear that connecting all of our citizens to reliable broadband internet service is an urgent national priority. The Expanding Opportunities for Broadband Deployment Act introduced today by Rep. G. K. Butterfield (D-NC) is pro-consumer legislation that will expedite and expand broadband deployment to unserved communities that need it the most. The bill would repeal an outdated and unnecessary eligibility requirement that unfairly prevents qualified internet service providers from participating in
Dave Watson Elected Chairman of the Board and WarnerMedia’s Jason Kilar Joins NCTA Board
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dave Watson, President & CEO, Comcast Cable, and Senior EVP, Comcast Corporation, was elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association (NCTA). The election took place on June 3, 2020. In addition, the following officers were elected: Pat McAdaragh, President & CEO, Midco, as Vice Chairman; Tom Rutledge, Chairman & CEO, Charter Communications, as Treasurer; Bob Bakish, President & CEO, ViacomCBS, Inc., as Secretary; and Pat Esser, President, Cox Communications, Inc., as Immediate Past Chairman. Jason Kilar, as the recently named
Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding the Introduction of the Emergency Educational Connections Act in the Senate
“As America continues to adapt to changes in our daily lives resulting from the COVID-19 crisis, the cable industry is redoubling its efforts to partner with schools and families in ways that support remote learning while classrooms remain closed. While the calendar moves us closer to upcoming graduations and the arrival of summer, we know that many challenges remain for schools in the coming months as they work diligently to prepare for the fall and a new school year. For that reason, we appreciate the efforts of Senator Markey and others to consider new tech-neutral ways of assisting schools
Statement of Michael Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, Regarding the FCC’s Approval to Enable Shared Unlicensed Use of the 6 GHz Band
“The Commission’s unanimous, bipartisan vote on 6 GHz will go a long way toward advancing the next generation of superfast Wi-Fi connectivity while also protecting TV production operations critical to providing American consumers with high-quality programming. Traffic forecasts show that the need for additional unlicensed spectrum is urgent, and now more than ever we’re working, learning, accessing health and financial services, staying entertained and informed, and remaining connected through our Wi-Fi networks. We thank the Commission for their tireless efforts to ensure that sufficient
Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding the FCC Delaying Compliance Date of the Television Viewer Protection Act
“We applaud the FCC for extending the compliance date of the Television Viewer Protection Act. The Commission’s timely action will enable cable operators to focus on critical tasks to ensure that Americans remain connected during this unprecedented COVID-19 crisis.”
Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding FCC Chairman Pai’s 6 GHz Spectrum Proposal
“We welcome the Commission’s effort to utilize the 6 GHz band to advance the next-generation of superfast Wi-Fi connectivity while protecting existing users. As we work from home, learn at a distance, use telemedicine services, stay informed, and play online, this spectrum band will be critical to delivering high-speed connections that nearly every consumer relies on. We look forward to working with the Chairman, Commissioners, and staff to advance this item which will enable our Wi-Fi networks to keep up with the significantly growing demand of our digital lives.”
NCTA Member Companies Commit to Over $100 Million in COVID-19 Public Service Advertising
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Member companies of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association today announced they would provide over $100 million in public service advertising through June to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and educate consumers about the impact of the pandemic. The companies’ contributions will be based on the collective value of on-air advertising time dedicated to public service advertisements (PSAs) and the use of public service material on digital and social media properties. Many companies have already created their own PSAs to provide consumers with information focused on