Anyone know anything about FCC requiring sub-basic cable packages?

[Phillycat]

I keep reading about this online, but I've never actually found an official link that shows that the FCC requires cable companies to offer a "sub-basic" cable package with basically just the networks, for a really cheap price. Google gives me nothing. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[lpbk2713]

1. My local carrier has a basic package for about 15 bucks.

Bright House Cable TV. Most of the local channels plus others like C-SPAN and one or two home shopping channels. They don't advertise it, you have to request their most basic package specifically.

[jarab]

3. Agree that they don't advertise it ...

but I know many who do get that limited package for about one half the regular subscription price per month.
But, they wouldn't advertise something like that. I have no definitive answer, but I'd betcha there is a rule which forces this package upon the providers.
...O...

[madinmaryland]

2. Check this out:

CABLE TELEVISION FACT SHEET CABLE CARRIAGE OF BROADCAST STATIONS
Q: Why must my cable system carry so many broadcast stations?


A: The Communications Act requires cable operators to set aside a specified portion of their channels for local commercial and non-commercial television stations. A cable operator with 12 or fewer channels must set aside up to three channels for local commercial television stations and at least one channel for a local noncommercial educational television broadcast station. Cable operators with more than 12 channels must set aside one third of their channel capacity for local commercial stations. Cable systems with between 13 and 36 channels must carry at least one, but need not carry more than three, local noncommercial educational television stations. Cable systems with more than 36 channels must carry all local noncommercial educational television stations requesting carriage with some exceptions for duplication of signals. Local television stations choosing the must-carry option and those that have negotiated agreements for retransmission with the cable system count towards this quota.

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/cblbdcst.html

[Phillycat]

4. THANK YOU!

That's exactly what I was looking for. My mother is going to war with her local cable company and needed some ammo. Thanks again. :)

[CanuckAmok]

5. Cable is the biggest racket ever.

Providing TV stations which used to be free to receive, and being paid for the servfice by both the broadcaster AND the viewer.

What a scam, particularly in areas where 'no antenna' legislation is in effect.

[Phillycat]

6. I am so lucky to live in a city.

I get NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox, WB, UPN, TWO PBS stations, a couple of Spanish-language channels, two religious channels, and a shopping channel, all out of the airwaves, with a small rabbit antenna on my TV. I live at the top of a hill, so that helps too. That's all the TV I need and I will never pay for cable again.