Tech Policy Podcast

#40: Unlocking the Cable Box

Episode Summary

Consumers have never had more ways to watch video, but traditional cable and satellite subscriptions still require set-top boxes, which typically cost 15-20 dollars a month to rent. The FCC is looking to disrupt this market by forcing cable, telephone, and satellite companies to make their equipment interoperable with third-party set-top boxes made by other companies. It sounds good in theory, but will it actually help consumers? And is this move only prolonging the inevitable death of the cable box? Evan is joined by Moriah Mensah, a recent graduate of Howard University School of Law. They discuss the FCC’s proposal and what it will mean for consumers.

Episode Notes

Consumers have never had more ways to watch video, but traditional cable and satellite subscriptions still require set-top boxes, which typically cost 15-20 dollars a month to rent. The FCC is looking to disrupt this market by forcing cable, telephone, and satellite companies to make their equipment interoperable with third-party set-top boxes made by other companies. It sounds good in theory, but will it actually help consumers? And is this move only prolonging the inevitable death of the cable box? Evan is joined by Moriah Mensah, a recent graduate of Howard University School of Law. They discuss the FCC’s proposal and what it will mean for consumers.