Markey is author of video navigation device provision in Telecommunications Act of 1996

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), former Chairman and current senior member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet, today expressed his support for FCC action to promote greater video competition and consumer access to innovative navigation devices consistent with the congressional intent of Section 629 of the Communications Act.  Rep. Markey is the author of Section 629, which he inserted in the Telecommunications Act of 1996 along with then-Commerce Committee Chairman Tom Bliley (R-TX).

“Today’s action by the Commission is an important step towards achieving the goals of greater video competition and choice for consumers in the marketplace for smart video boxes.  When I authored the provision in the 1996 Telecommunications Act on video navigation devices, I wanted to spur innovation in the marketplace for these devices and untether consumers from reliance upon the boxes provided by their cable company.  With its action today, the FCC has brought us closer to the day when consumers will be able to purchase smart video devices that can access all multichannel video programming services, enabling consumers to pick the service provider that best suits their needs and interests without with the inconvenience of replacing their video devices.  I look forward to the Commission’s continued progress in this area,” Rep. Markey said. 

In addition to resolving the CableCard issue in the short-term, Rep. Markey has called for the Commission to initiate a proceeding, consistent with the recommendations in the National Broadband Plan, to make progress towards the widespread availability of video navigation devices as envisioned by Section 629.  In a letter he sent to FCC Chairman Genachowski on October 6, 2010, Rep. Markey expressed his view that such a proceeding should ensure that all MVPDs install a gateway device or equivalent functionality in all new subscriber homes and in all homes requiring replacement set-top boxes, starting on or before Dec. 31, 2012.

A copy of the letter is available here: http://markey.house.gov/docs/letter_-_cablecard_-_ejm_to_jg_-_10-6-10.pdf