Integration Ban
Suddenlink joins the growing list of MSOs asking the FCC for a waiver to the set-top integration ban, which requires operators to only deploy set-tops with separate security after July 1. Suddenlink wants 7 low-end boxes waived from the rule: Motorola’s DCT-700 and 2500E; S-A’s Explorer 1840, 940 and 3200; Pace’s Chicago DC501P and Indiana DC511P. Suddenlink said the replacement box for the DCT-700 currently costs less than $80, while its post-July 1 equivalent would be more than 2.5 times higher. Similarly, the S-A CableCARD replacement for the 1840 would more than double the price, it said. "Moreover, none of Suddenlink’s existing set-top box suppliers (or anyone else) has offered any binding commitments to deliver any type of CableCARD devices to Suddenlink in time for July 2007 deployment," the MSO said.