Section 76.630 allows cable operators
to request waivers of the prohibition of signal encryption. Section
76.1621 states that cable systems that use scrambling, encryption
or similar techniques with special equipment shall offer to supply
subscribers with special equipment that will enable the
simultaneous reception of multiple signals. Section 76.1622 states
that cable system operators shall provide a consumer education
program on compatibility matters to subscribers in writing. In
October 2012, the Commission loosened its prohibition on encryption
of the basic service tier. This rule change allows all-digital
cable operators to encrypt, subject to certain consumer protection
measures. 77 FR 67290 (Nov. 9, 2012); 47 C.F.R. § 76.630(a)(1).
Encryption of all-digital cable service will allow cable operators
to activate and/or deactivate cable service remotely, thus
relieving many consumers of the need to wait at home to receive a
cable technician when they sign up for or cancel cable service, or
expand service to an existing cable connection in their home. In
addition, encryption will reduce service theft by ensuring that
only paying subscribers have decryption equipment. Encryption could
reduce cable rates and reduce the theft that often degrades the
quality of cable service received by paying subscribers. Encryption
also will reduce the number of service calls necessary for manual
installations and disconnections, which may have beneficial effects
on vehicle traffic and the environment. Because this rule change
allows cable operators to encrypt the basic service tier without
filing a request for waiver, we expect that the number of requests
for waiver will decrease significantly.
US Code:
47 USC 4(i) and 632 Name of Law: Communications Act of 1934, as
amended
There are program changes to
this collection which are due to the information collection
requirements adopted in FCC 12-126. Basically, since many cable
operators are now exempt from filing waivers, there will be a
significant decrease in the number of waivers that will be filed.
Therefore, there are program changes/decreases to this collection
as follows: a decrease to the number of responses of 200,004, to
the annual burden hours of 249,162 hours and to the annual costs of
$4,445. There are no adjustments to this collection.
$4,626,714
No
No
No
No
No
Uncollected
Brendan Murray 202
418-1573
No
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Supporting Statement OMB 3060-0667 2013.doc
Section 76.630, Compatibility with Consumer Electronics Equipment; Section 76.1621, Equipment Compatibility Offer; Section 76.1622, Consumer Education of Equipment Compatibility