FCC Pulls Set-top Order From Agenda

The FCC said Thurs morning it has removed the set-top box order from the open meeting agenda. The news came 30 minutes before the meeting was set to begin. The proposal will go on the Commission’s circulation list and remain under consideration by Commissioners.

FCC chmn Tom Wheeler and Democratic commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Mignon Clyburn issued a joint statement: “It’s time for consumers to say goodbye to costly set-top boxes.  It’s time for more ways to watch and more lower-cost options.  That’s why we have been working to update our policies under Section 629 of the Communications Act in order to foster a competitive market for these devices.  We have made tremendous progress – and we share the goal of creating a more innovative and inexpensive market for these consumer devices.  We are still working to resolve the remaining technical and legal issues and we are committed to unlocking the set-top box for consumers across this country.”

Rosenworcel has publicly expressed concern over the proposal’s licensing construct.