MVPD Fixes for Set-Tops Never Materialized, Says PK

Though pay-TV providers argued last year that FCC moves on set-top boxes are unnecessary because industry is correcting issues of competition and pricing, providers haven't followed through on those corrections since the threat of action went away, Public Knowledge said in a letter in docket 16-42 Tuesday. “In the absence of pressure from regulators the incumbent MVPD players have little motivation to unlock, ditch, or otherwise rid consumers of the unloved rented Box,” PK said. “This pattern is not unfamiliar, and should inform the FCC’s willingness to accept industry promises in lieu of regulation more generally.” NCTA didn’t comment.