FCC Analyzes Video Competition, Landline Porting

The FCC is taking new steps on video competition reports and number porting.

The last official report on cable video competition was done – and redone – in 2006, but not officially released until earlier this year. That’s thanks for former FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, who was notorious for putting stumbling blocks in cable’s path. Now the FCC, led by Acting Chairman Michael Copps, is taking more comments on market developments. Specifically, its wants to know the impact of FiOS and U-verse services on consumers and cable operators.

The agency also is considering reducing the number of days service providers can take to port users’ landline phone numbers from one company to another. Right now, the number stands at four days. It could be reduced to 24 hours.