The FCC should not exclude cable systems with less than 30% penetration from its calculation of cable rate benchmarks. (testimony by National Cable Television Association) (Brief Article)

Broadcasting & Cable, June, 1993

The FCC should not exclude cable systems with less than 30% penetration from its calculation of cable rate benchmarks, the NCTA told the FCC last week. "There is no basis in law or logic for excluding such systems." The benchmarks are the basis for cable rate rollbacks and for future rate increases.

They are now based on the rates of municipally owned systems, systems in competitive markets and systems with less than 30% penetration. The FCC has no authority for excluding the 30% markets, the NCTA said. And, it added, simply because the rates of systems in the 30% markets are higher than the other benchmark markets "provides no basis for excluding" them. The FCC is considering the exclusion in a rulemaking suggested by Commissioner Andrew Barrett.