NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Media Contact:
March 22, 2007 Clyde Ensslin (202) 418-0506
FCC Initiates Rulemaking to Evaluate Access to 
Multiple Dwelling Units for Video Providers
Washington, DC – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today adopted a 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on issues relating to the use of exclusive 
contracts for the provision of video services to multiple dwelling units (“MDUs”) or other real 
estate developments.  
With this proceeding, the Commission is taking another step to foster greater competition 
in the market for the delivery of multichannel video programming. In this Notice, the 
Commission seeks comment on the use of exclusive contracts in the MDU video provider
marketplace and the impact of their use on the federal goals of enhanced multichannel video 
competition and accelerated broadband deployment.  Specifically:
§ The Notice seeks comment on the current environment for service providers attempting to 
obtain access to MDUs or other real estate developments, including the use of exclusive 
contracts.  
§ The Notice seeks comment on the impact of exclusive contracts on consumer choice and 
video competition, and whether the use of exclusive contracts reduces the likelihood of 
competitive entry.
§ The Notice tentatively concludes that the Commission has authority to regulate exclusive 
contracts for the provision of video services to MDUs or other real estate developments 
where it finds that such contracts may impede competition and impair deployment of 
those services.    
§ Finally, the Notice seeks comment on what specific steps the Commission should take to 
ensure that exclusive contracts do not unreasonably impede competitive video entry.  
Action by the Commission, March 22, 2007, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 07-32).
Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, Tate, and McDowell.  Separate statements 
issued by Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, Tate, and McDowell.
-- FCC --
Docket 07-51
Media Bureau Contacts: Holly Saurer (202) 418-2120
John Norton (202) 418-2120