Proposed MVPD Redefinition Out for Comment [telecom]

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By Harry Cole, CommLawBlog, January 18, 2015

FCC looks to open ranks of MVPDs to Internet-delivered services - a move that could save what's left of Aereo

It looks like the universe of multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) is going to be expanding considerably. Previously populated by the likes of cable, MMDS and broadcast satellite operators, the MVPD universe is set to be redefined to include services "untethered" from any infra- structure-based definition ... if, that is, a proposal laid out in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) last month (and just published in the Federal Register) takes hold. The result should expand consumer options for video program service, and might even revivify whatever may be left of Aereo once Aereo exits the bankruptcy process. And even if Aereo doesn't survive, we can look for new Aereo-like services.

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Neal McLain