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NEWS
Federal Communications Commission

News Media Information 202 / 418-0500

445 12th Street, S.W.

Internet: http://www.fcc.gov

Washington, D. C. 20554

TTY: 1-888-835-5322

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

August 3, 2012
Janice Wise (202) 418-8165
Email: janice.wise@fcc.gov

FCC ACCELERATES DIGITAL CABLE ROLLOUT BY MOVING

TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY REGULATORY BARRIERS

Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today adopted a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to modernize and reform its cable television technical rules,
facilitating the cable industry’s widespread transition from analog to digital transmission systems. The
proposed rules reflect the Commission’s ongoing commitment to regulatory reform and will permit the
industry to utilize their existing spectrum more efficiently, while also ensuring good quality signals for
digital cable customers and will protect against digital signal leakage.
The NPRM proposes to update the Commission’s signal quality rules, which were established when
analog technology was predominant and digital technology was nascent. The proposed revision will
streamline compliance for operators of digital cable systems. The NPRM also proposes to modernize the
Commission’s cable signal leakage rules that were also designed with analog systems in mind. The
proposed revision will protect the spectrum used for aeronautical communication and navigation services
from interference by cable signal leaks, while enabling digital operators to more efficiently use their
systems. Finally, the NPRM proposes a number of minor technical revisions, and seeks comment on any
other technical changes necessary to bring the Commission’s cable rules into the 21st century.
Action by the Commission August 3, 2012, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 12-86). Chairman
Genachowski, Commissioners McDowell, Clyburn, Rosenworcel and Pai. Separate statements issued by Chairman
Genachowski, Commissioners McDowell, Clyburn, Rosenworcel and Pai.
MB Docket No. 12-217.
For further information, contact Jeffrey Neumann (202-418-7000; jeffrey.neumann@fcc.gov). Press
contact: Janice Wise (202-418-8165; janice.wise@fcc.gov).
-FCC-
For news and information about the FCC, please visit: www.fcc.gov

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