Several consumer groups objected to a CableCARD bill...
Several consumer groups objected to a CableCARD bill under consideration in the House Commerce Committee. Consumer Action, Consumers Union, Free Press, National Consumers League, New America Foundation’s Open Technology Institute and Public Knowledge sent a letter Thursday to Communications Subcommittee…
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Chairman Greg Walden, R-Ore., slamming HR-3196 (http://bit.ly/1cdjpjR). Subcommittee Vice Chairman Bob Latta, R-Ohio, and Gene Green, D-Texas, introduced the bill in September. The bill proposes ending the integration ban requiring cable operators to use CableCARDs instead of built-in security in set-top boxes. TiVo has strongly lobbied against the bill. It “would drive up cable bill prices, reduce consumer choice, and slow down video innovation,” the consumer groups said in their letter. They say it would undermine the existing CableCARD system. Latta’s “legislation stands on its own merit,” Latta Chief of Staff Ryan Walker told us when asked about the letter. Walker labeled HR-3196 a “bipartisan deal” and said the integration ban “went beyond congressional intent.” The bill now has six co-sponsors, with Jim Matheson, D-Utah, signing on Tuesday. Latta is seeking more cosponsors, Walker said.