ABSTRACT

When cable television first began, government agencies saw no reason to regulate it, but as the technology matured, and the economic impact increased, regulation evolved to control it. The term “common carrier” is used to distinguish services that are available to all customers at a similar rate (like public transit or basic phone service). Multichannel video program distributors (MVPDs) are regulated by the FCC. There are structural and content concerns that distinguish MVPDs from broadcasting. The introduction of Over the Top services has affected telecommunications regulation. Network neutrality continues to be debated by Congress and the FCC.