FCC delays vote on set-top boxes

The Federal Communications Commission delayed a vote scheduled Thursday on Chairman Tom Wheeler’s proposed rule to require pay-TV services to offer their programming on streaming apps so consumers don’t have to rent set-top boxes.

“We have made tremendous progress and we share the goal of creating a more innovative and inexpensive market for these consumer devices,” Wheeler and Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel said. “We are still working to resolve the remaining technical and legal issues and we are committed to unlocking the set-top box for consumers across this country.”

Wheeler’s proposal is aimed at giving pay-TV consumers access to the programming they pay for every month without a cable box.

Cable companies argued that the proposal exceeded the FCC’s legal authority and was an example of government overreach into the pay-TV industry. They also contend that imposing such a rule would slow down technological innovation.

Wheeler is pushing the rule as a way to bring down the cost of video service, which up to 84% of consumers have said is too high, according to some studies. About 99% of the nation’s 100 million pay-TV subscribers rent at least one set-top box.

Wheeler has touted the move as a way for providers to adapt to the technological changes that have upended the TV industry through the increased programming choices they offer. A rapidly growing number of consumers are turning to streaming for their video content.