*Pages 1--1 from  Microsoft Word - 6243.doc*
 January  18,  2001 
 STATEMENT  OF  CHAIRMAN  WILLIAM  E.  KENNARD  ON  NOTICE  OF  INQUIRY  ON  INTERACTIVE  TELEVISION 


 I  am  pleased  that  the  Commission  is  focusing  on  the  provision  of  interactive  television  (ITV)  services. 


 Although  ITV  services  are  in  the  early  stages  of  development,  the  Commission  would  do  well  to  get  ahead  of  the  curve.  It  seems  clear  to  me  that  cable  television  will  be 
 an  important  platform  for  delivery  of  ITV  services,  at  least  in  the  near  term,  and  I  am  concerned  that  a  vertically-  integrated  ITV  service  provider  might  have  the  incentive  and 
 ability  to  discriminate  against  unaffiliated  ITV  service  providers. 


 ITV  service  has  the  potential  to  bring  huge  benefits  to  the  American  consumer,  not 
 to  mention  substantial  revenues  to  service  providers.  This  proceeding  is  a  valuable  step  in 
 making  sure  that  the  public  can  benefit  from  a  robust,  competitive  marketplace  for  ITV 
 services. 


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