The American Cable Association has officially filed its support for a recent request by Cable One for a waiver to deploy integrated HD-capable all-digital devices in its Dyersburg, Tenn., area cable system
Cable One's request, filed with the Federal Communications Commission Oct. 24, would enable subscribers to use low-cost integrated set-tops that the cable operators claims are essential to providing affordable HDTV programming to the many of its Dyersburg subscribers.
"The fastest and cheapest way to provide consumers in small and rural markets with more HD programming choices, and broadband speeds that approach 100 Mbps is for operators in these areas to go all-digital," ACA president Matt Polka said in a statement.
"Unfortunately, for many of ACA's members, the digital set-top boxes that are required under existing rules are just too expensive to deploy,” Polka said. “The use of HD ADDs gives cable operators a cost-effective way to transition to an all-digital network. Cable One's Dyersburg system faces this challenge, and we urge the Commission to grant the waiver it needs to best serve Cable One's customers."
If approved, this waiver would enable Cable One to complete the transition of its Dyersburg-area cable system to an all-digital platform within a year. It would allow Cable One to supply its Dyersburg customers with a low-cost HD ADD, which would be offered at no charge. By reclaiming bandwidth, Cable One's customers would have access to more HDTV programming choices and more affordable HDTV content.
