It looks like the FCC is once again trying to push along some resolution on 2-way plug and play. Late Wed, the Commission adopted on circulation a NPRM that seeks comments on the progress of making 2-way devices available to consumers at retail that will work in their cable systems. As of deadline, the FCC had not released the text of the item. The FCC is expected to seek comment on the NCTA’s OpenCable proposal as well as CEA’s proposal, which would permit CE makers to offer equivalent 2-way products that build on existing digital cable technologies but not require them to support OCAP. "This rulemaking proceeding promises to bring competition to the market by giving consumers the widest choices in both equipment and services," CEA pres/CEO Gary Shapiro said of the NPRM. "A competitive cable equipment market is still elusive 11 years after Congress required it, and we applaud the FCC for taking steps to ensure that innovation will no longer be stifled." Big Wait: Meanwhile, more than 50 waivers remain pending at the FCC over the Jul 1 set-top integration ban. As of Sun, video providers can no longer deploy new integrated set-top boxes. There’s no indication what the FCC will do about the waivers, and the chmn is occupied with a family emergency. Speculation runs the gamut—from a rash of waiver approvals or denials at the last minute to the FCC waiting to enforce the rules until it has acted on the waivers. Large operators Cfax spoke to, including Cox and Comcast, said they would be in complete compliance. Verizon’s petition is drawing a lot of interest since it has been deploying boxes that are not CableCARD ready for its FiOS video service. "We’re hopeful the FCC will grant the waiver given that our technology is new and different and providing an alternative to cable TV," a Verizon spokesman said, calling FiOS a "prime example" of why the waiver was created. Check out C-SPAN’s "The Communicators" Sat, 6:30pm to see NCTA’s Dan Brenner’s take on the ban.

The Daily

Subscribe
Thursday–May 8

WBD Split Talk Heats Up

Warner Bros. Discovery shares closed up over 5% Thursday on increased speculation that it plans to split off its linear business off from the studio and streamer Max . CNBC ’s David Faber reported that

Read the Full Issue
The Skinny is delivered on Tuesday and focuses on the cable profession. You'll stay in the know on the headlines, topics and special issues you value most. Sign Up

Calendar

Sep 11
2025 Faxies Awards Faxies Nominations Open! Final deadline: 4/4/25
Full Calendar

Jobs

Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB or hiring for one?
VIEW JOBS

In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors. The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers.

Contact Carley Ashley, [email protected], for more information about posting a job on the website and our Jobs newsletter, sent twice weekly to 85,000 media professionals.