CEA Decries NCTAs Latest Request to Delay Competition

NCTA Files Yet Another Appeal to Preserve Cable Equipment Monopoly

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) President and CEO Gary Shapiro today issued the following statement in response to the National Cable and Telecommunications Association’s (NCTA) appeal of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) rules requiring separable security in devices that connect to cable systems:

“After eleven years of delaying consumer access to competitive equipment, this latest NCTA appeal is not surprising, but it is still troubling. By denying NCTA’s waivers, the FCC has spoken clearly for consumers and the public interest. As CEA has stated on numerous occasions, competitive device manufacturers are eager to offer exciting new competitive devices to cable customers, and the FCC has assured consumers that innovation will not be stifled. Consumers have long been denied the opportunity to enjoy a competitive market for products that can connect to cable systems.

“The Courts and the Commission have spoken and the time for compliance with the FCC’s rules is now. NCTA’s latest appeal of the FCC’s decision is an abuse of the administrative process. Further, it diverts valuable Commission resources away from ensuring that consumers may reap the benefits of competition in the cable equipment market.”

About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $148 billion U.S. consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, digital imaging, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. CEA’s resources are available online at http://www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES – Where Entertainment, Technology and Business Converge. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.