The FCC has handed competitive carriers a small victory.
The agency late last week made it easier for new entrant video and phone providers to get business in multidwelling units (MDUs) such as apartments and condominiums.
First, commissioners said competitive video services providers must not be forced to cut through sheet rock to connect their cable wiring to cable home wiring inside a unit.
Second, they instructed incumbents to make their wire subloops in the MDUs accessible to competitors.
“Consistent with my commitment to fostering a competitive marketplace and consumer choice, I have and will continue to encourage new entrants trying to break into both the voice and video markets,” said FCC Chairman Kevin Martin.
The FCC was acting on a petition filed by Cox Communications Inc.
Companies including RCN Corp. praised the agency’s decision.
“The FCC ruling ensures companies like RCN will not be handcuffed in competing effectively and thus, offering consumers more choice of service providers,” said Peter Aquino, RCN’s president and CEO.
FCC www.fcc.gov
RCN Corp. www.rcn.com
