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FCC wants set-top boxes to be Internet gateway
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12/16/09 03:34 PM ET
The Federal Communications Commission is zeroing in on it's desire to let consumers access the Internet through cable and other TV set-top boxes.
The FCC presented a broad outline of the recommendations it may include in its report due to Congress in February. While it offered few concrete details, FCC staff made clear it is considering ways to spur competition and innovation in the set-top box market.
The National Broadband Plan, which is due in 63 days, will likely focus heavily on encouraging competition and innovation.
In the set-top box market, most consumers lease the boxes from their cable or pay-TV provider rather than buying one at retail. That's partly because technology changes quite rapidly, so consumers aren't willing to shell out $500 for another box every 18 months.
But the FCC envisions a wide range of boxes that allow consumers to have two-way communication with their providers and the broadband networks.
One option the FCC is considering is requiring cable and broadband providers--Comcast, AT&T, Verizon--to offer small, inexpensive devices that can bridge together cable boxes and Internet modems.
In theory, this could unleash an array of new Internet applications for TV. For example, imagine a Pandora-like service for TV shows that could recommend shows you may like based on what you're currently watching.
The FCC presented a broad outline of the recommendations it may include in its report due to Congress in February. While it offered few concrete details, FCC staff made clear it is considering ways to spur competition and innovation in the set-top box market.
The National Broadband Plan, which is due in 63 days, will likely focus heavily on encouraging competition and innovation.
In the set-top box market, most consumers lease the boxes from their cable or pay-TV provider rather than buying one at retail. That's partly because technology changes quite rapidly, so consumers aren't willing to shell out $500 for another box every 18 months.
But the FCC envisions a wide range of boxes that allow consumers to have two-way communication with their providers and the broadband networks.
One option the FCC is considering is requiring cable and broadband providers--Comcast, AT&T, Verizon--to offer small, inexpensive devices that can bridge together cable boxes and Internet modems.
In theory, this could unleash an array of new Internet applications for TV. For example, imagine a Pandora-like service for TV shows that could recommend shows you may like based on what you're currently watching.
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