FCC Ends Cable's Exclusive Contracts at Apartment Buildings

In a move that will broaden choice for consumers and restore competitiveness for other video providers, the Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously to end the deals that have allowed cable companies to exclusively provide video services to residents of apartment buildings condominiums and planned subdivsions.

CWA and consumers groups have long supported an end to the practice which gave an unfair advantage to cable operators, restricted choice for millions of consumers and resulted in higher cable rates. The FCC's decision means that cable companies cannot negotiate contracts that prevent other providers of video service from being able to provide service to customers in the same building.