Television Cable Television

Cable television is a video delivery service provided by a cable operator to subscribers via coaxial cable or fiber optics. Programming delivered wirelessly via satellite or other methods is not considered “cable television” under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) definitions. A cable television system operator is a person or group that provides cable service and has a significant ownership or control over the cable system. Cable service is the transmission of video programming or other programming services to subscribers, including any subscriber selections. A cable system is the physical infrastructure used to provide cable service to multiple subscribers within a community.

Cable services are often bundled into tiers, each with a separate rate. Basic service includes over-the-air broadcast signals and public access channels, regulated by local franchising authorities. Cable programming service encompasses channels beyond basic service, and per-channel or per-program service allows subscribers to pay for individual channels or programs.

Before operating, a cable system operator must register with the FCC, providing information about the operator, service area, signals carried, and adherence to regulations. State and local regulations also apply to cable television, often addressing franchising, subscriber service, and basic cable rates.

The Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 and the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 established key policies regarding cable television ownership, channel usage, subscriber rates, and competition. These acts aimed to promote diverse viewpoints, rely on market forces, ensure cable expansion, and protect consumer interests.

The rates for basic cable service are generally regulated by local franchising authorities, while rates for cable programming services are not regulated by the FCC. Effective competition, determined by specific criteria, can exempt cable systems from rate regulation.

Federal guidelines provide minimum customer service standards for cable operators, covering areas like telephone responsiveness, installations, service interruptions, billing, and information provided to customers. Unauthorized reception of cable services is a federal offense with significant penalties.

The 1992 Cable Act introduced must-carry and retransmission consent options for local commercial television stations. Must-carry guarantees carriage on cable systems, while retransmission consent requires cable systems to obtain permission from broadcasters before carrying their signals, often involving compensation. Noncommercial educational stations and qualified low-power television stations also have carriage rights.

Cable systems must carry the entire program schedule of local television stations carried under must-carry or retransmission consent, adhering to network nonduplication, syndicated exclusivity, and sports broadcasting rules. Copyright regulations require cable operators to obtain compulsory licenses for carrying programming.

The FCC regulates “origination cablecasting,” programming under the editorial control of the system operator, but generally not broadcast signals or access channels. Regulations include provisions for lockboxes to block objectionable content and the implementation of the TV Parental Guidelines rating system. The V-chip in television sets allows blocking programs based on ratings.

Political candidates have equal opportunity rights to use cable facilities, with regulations on censorship, discrimination, and charging practices. Lottery information is generally prohibited, with exceptions for state lotteries and certain non-profit or governmental organizations. Sponsorship identification is required for paid programming. Commercial limits exist for children’s programs, and cigarette advertising is prohibited.

Cable systems often provide access channels for community programming and origination channels for specialized programming packages. Local franchising authorities can require channels for public, educational, or governmental use (PEG channels). Leased commercial access allows unaffiliated parties to distribute programming on cable systems.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) rules prohibit discrimination and require cable operators to implement EEO programs. Cable system ownership is subject to national subscriber limits and vertical ownership restrictions to prevent undue market power and favoritism towards affiliated programmers. Cross-ownership restrictions exist between cable and telephone companies, as well as cable and BRS/SMATV systems.

Technical requirements govern pole attachments, ensuring fair access to utility poles for cable systems. Technical standards ensure compatibility between cable systems and consumer equipment, while prohibited frequencies protect critical services. Aeronautical frequencies require notification and monitoring to avoid interference. Microwave facilities are used for signal transmission and require licensing.

Home wiring rules address the disposition of cable wiring after a subscriber terminates service, promoting competition by allowing the use of existing wiring for other services. Compatibility between cable systems and consumer equipment is facilitated by CableCARDs, enabling subscribers to use retail devices instead of leasing set-top boxes. Record retention requirements ensure compliance and transparency. Subscriber privacy is protected by regulations limiting the collection and disclosure of personal information.

The FCC handles complaints related to interference and technical issues, while local franchising authorities address issues like basic cable rates, customer service, and billing. Special relief or waivers from rules can be requested through petitions. Show cause orders and forfeiture actions address rule violations. Rulemaking proceedings allow public participation in the development and amendment of regulations. Citizen participation is encouraged through comments, complaints, and participation in regulatory proceedings. Various reports and forms are used for compliance and data collection.