DOJ Backs FCC Looking at Set-tops

A top antitrust official weighed in on the FCC's side on controversial draft proposed rules on untying set-top boxes from the multichannel video programming distributors that often provide the boxes to MVPD customers (see 1601270064). An emailed statement from Assistant Attorney General Bill Baer of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division came on a day in which AT&T slammed the set-top rule changes backed by Google and others and being explored by the commission. The FCC in turn defended its approach. (See the next regular issue of Communications Daily for a related report.)

DOJ welcomes the FCC's "inquiry into whether new set-top box rules may better unlock the ‎power of consumer choice,” Baer said Wednesday. “The set-top box rules that are currently in place were designed for a marketplace of old technologies and traditional business models. The FCC is right to examine the issue and we look forward to participating in the effort to ensure that the benefits of competition and innovation reach American consumers.”