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FCC Issues Inquiry for Congressional Video Competition ReportBy TED GLANZER TMCnet Communications and Broadband Columnist The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Friday released a Notice of Inquiry (NOI), seeking information on the competitive changes in the video programming market between 2004 and 2005, for its annual video competition report to Congress. Specifically, the FCC, according to a press release, is soliciting comments and information from video distributors, including over-the-air broadcast television stations, cable systems, direct broadcast satellite providers, large home satellite dish providers, broadband service providers, LECs and wireless cable systems. Additionally, the FCC is seeking information from DVD and videocassette retail distributors, as well as video programming provided over the Internet and through IP networks. According to the release, the NOI also seeks information on the following: The "horizontal concentration in the video marketplace, vertical integration between programming distributors and programming services, and other issues relating to the programming available to customers." Technical issues, including equipment. The developments in foreign markets, to the extent that it will aid the FCC to understand domestic markets. Two FCC commissioners commented on the importance of the NOI. "This NOI launches a report that serves as the factual foundation for numerous [FCC] decision and also provides Congress with information it requires to inform the national policy debate," said Commissioner Michael J. Copps in a prepared statement. "That's why it is incumbent upon the Commission to put our best foot forward here, to gather complete and accurate data, and then to commit the resources needed to analyze the data." Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein agreed. "Given the technological transformations upon us, it is more important than ever that the Commission gather the necessary information on which we and the Congress can make appropriate policy determinations," Adelstein said, adding, "For example, the Notice seeks information regarding local exchange carriers that intend to provide video programming services. Many in Congress have been asking for a deeper understanding of the factors that underlie IP-based video networks, franchise fees, and the consequences for consumers." TMCnet.com will continue to monitor this story and will report on any developments. Ted Glanzer is assistant editor for TMCnet. For more articles by Ted Glanzer, please visit: http://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/columnists/columnist.aspx?id=100033&nm=Ted%20Gl anzer |