FCC may allow television signal encryption2012-08-31 09:40 by DanielaTags: FCC, encryption, TV
FCC may allow major cable operators to start encrypting basic-tier signals in a move to fight theft and reduce service calls. But before this happen, the FCC has to lift an encryption prohibition which has been enforced since 1994. The National Cable & Telecommunications Association, which includes Cablevision, Time Warner Cable and Comcast, claimed that in 2004 roughly 5 percent of homes were using services without paying - which equated to almost $5 billion in lost earnings. Almost one-fifth of 134 households whose cable connections were cut off by RCN during an audit in Chicago last year subsequently contacted the company to subscribe, "clear evidence that they had previously been viewing cable without paying," the company told the FCC in a filing last year. Another company, Cablevision found that, when it encrypted basic service under a waiver from the FCC, it almost eliminated the need to send crews in trucks to disconnect service, the Bethpage, New York-based company told the agency in a filing. If the encryption is allowed, then cable theft will be more difficult to accomplish - as companies would be able to stop and start services remotely. Read more -here-
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