Cable Television: Background and Overview of Rates and Other Issues for Congress

Publication Date: April 2004

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Media, telecommunications, and information

Type:

Abstract:

This report presents information on the history of federal regulation of the cable television industry and background information on cable rates and other cable industry issues. Cable service is received by 70.5 million television homes, or approximately 74.9 % of all pay television subscribers. The Telecommunications Act of 1996, 110 Stat. 56, P.L. 104-104, eliminated most cable rate regulation beyond the basic tier of services as of March 31, 1999. Some small cable operators were freed from regulation upon the enactment of the law, but in most cases, rates for a basic tier of services continue to be regulated. The Telecommunications Act also opened up new areas of competition between telephone companies and cable companies. This report will be updated as legislation or news events warrant.