BDS, Set-Top Box Draft Orders Removed From Circulation

In one of Ajit Pai's first steps as chairman, the FCC removed from circulation some draft items, including at least two high-profile orders. Draft actions on updating broadband data services (BDS) rules and on making it easier for pay-TV customers to connect to subscription video services without an operator-provided set-top box were removed from consideration Friday afternoon. That's according to our review of the circulation list and an interview with an FCC spokesman Saturday.

The BDS and set-top draft rules were opposed by some FCC and congressional Republicans, and some Democrats had concerns on items like the unlock-the-box proceeding. Those items were previously removed from commissioners' meeting agendas after they were divisive under then-Chairman Tom Wheeler. House Commerce Committee Republicans overseeing the agency asked Pai a few days ago to end the set-top box proceeding by closing the docket.

"This is the first step in assuring the rights of content creators so they can invest in the programming we all enjoy," said House Communications Subcommittee Chairwoman Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., in a statement to us Saturday. She and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden, R-Ore., led the letter to Pai, signed by all GOP members of the Communications Subcommittee. "It's time we let industry innovate, free from the heavy hand of big government, and deliver consumers the services they want at a price they deserve," Blackburn said Saturday.