STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. MCDOWELL
Re: Exclusive Service Contracts for Provision of Video Services in Multiple Dwelling 
Units and Other Real Estate Developments, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, MB
Docket -07-51  
In this Notice, we seek comment regarding the current market environment for 
video service providers with respect to obtaining access to multiple dwelling units 
(MDUs) and other real estate developments.  Specifically, we want to uncover whether 
there is a need for the Commission to regulate exclusive contracts for the provision of 
video services and whether the Commission has the authority to craft such regulations.  
With the advent of the “triple play” of video, voice and high-speed Internet access 
services being offered by cable, telephone and other companies, it is important that the 
Commission’s regulations treat all competitors the same when possible.  I am pleased that 
this item examines building access issues in a platform neutral manner with respect to all 
video providers, be they telephone companies, incumbent cable providers, over-builders 
or others.  Additionally, I think it is appropriate and constructive that the Commission has 
committed to refreshing the record in the long-pending Competitive Networks 
proceeding, in which we sought comment regarding MDU access and exclusive contracts 
for telephone service providers.  I hope that competition for all services, and across all 
platforms, does not stop, literally, at the doorstep of apartment and office buildings across 
America.  
I thank the Chairman for his leadership in this area and I am delighted to support 
this NPRM.