The Energy & Commerce Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives has issued a white paper on video distribution with the goal of soliciting input to update the Communications Act.
The paper traces the evolution of video broadcasting from early cable services in the 1940s, which used hilltop antennas to serve areas unable to receive signals because of terrain or distances, through direct broadcast satellite (DBS) and over-the-top (OTT) video delivered by third parties over customers’ existing broadband connections.
The paper states, “With increasing numbers and types of video service providers has come increased competition for customers in the subscription video market. Not unlike other areas of communications, new market entrants have generally shied away from entry in the legacy, government regulated services, instead focusing on market disruption in areas with fewer barriers to entry.”
In addition, the paper notes, “Broadcasters face a host of regulations based on their status as a ‘public trustee.’” It asks whether the public trustee model continues to make sense and what specific obligations should be changed to address changes in the marketplace.
The committee asks, “How can the Communications Act foster broadcasting in the 21st century? What changes in law will promote a market in which broadcasting can compete with subscription video services?”
It poses similar questions about cable services, satellite television providers, OTT video services, and the relationship between content providers and distributors.
The committee is seeking input by January 23, 2015.
