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{712) 233-1860 
210 WATERLOO Bu I DIN 
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WArERtOO. IA 50701 5497 
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11171HAVCNVE SE Box 13 
Sum 6800 
CHARLES E. GRASSLEY 
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-1501 """] 201 WEsr 2No Srm.e• 
SVITF 720 
CcDAA AA...as. IA 52401 2101 
13191363 ~32 
May 23, 2016 
The Honorable Thomas E. Wheeler 
Chairman 
Federal Communicatrons Commission 
445 12th Street, SW 
Washington, DC 20554 
Dear Chairman Wheeler: 
In February 2016, the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") issued a Notice 
of Proposed Rulemaking ("NPRM") seeking comment on changes to existing set-top 
box rules. These changes would require Multichannel Video Programming Distributors 
("MVPDs") to deliver to third-party manufacturers selling set-top boxes and suppliers 
of software, video programming and other information about what programming is 
available to consumers. The NPRM states that these rules are "intended to assure a 
competitive market for equipment, including software, that can access multichannel 
video programming." 
I support the goal of greater competition and innovation in the marketplace for 
how consumers are able to access and watch video programming. That is why I have 
been heartened to see a flourishing of new technology over the past several years that 
give consumers greater access to content on a growing array of devices. However, I 
am concerned that this proposed rulemaking would replace marketplace solutions 
with greater government regulation. Further, there are significant concerns as to how 
the FCC's proposal affects important consumer privacy and copyright interests. 
Under federal law, MVPDs must keep subscribers' viewing habits private, abide by 
advertising limits during children's programming, and build devices that display 
emergency alerts, closed captioning, and parental controls. These privacy protections 
are important to my constituents and others around the country. It remains unclear 
how these important consumer protections will be extended under this proposal in an 
effective manner. 
Comminee Assignments: 
DAVENPORT. IA 52801-1817 
(!>63) 322-nJl 
307 f£DERAL BUii.DiNG 
8 Soun• 6Tu Srmr 1 
CouNCll BLUFFS. IA 51501...!204 
(71 ?J 322-7103 
CHAIRMAN, 
JUDICIARY 
AGRICULTURE 
BUDGET 
FINANCE 
Co-CHAIRMAN, 
INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS 
CONTROL CAUCUS 
PRJNICD ON RI CVCI [IJ P,\PE~ 
411
Further, existing copyright protections have encouraged a vibrant, creative climate 
which has led to more interesting and greater quality television content for 
consumers. There are concerns that the proposed regulations will harm creators and 
impede innovation thereby ultimately hurting viewers. Additionally, it is important 
that this proposed rulemaking not disproportionately affect rural providers and 
consumers. 
Achieving greater competition in the set-top box marketplace is a valid goal but it 
must not come at the expense of important consumer protections, market-based 
competition, or America's creators and innovators. 
~Jlllll~_.. .. _.. ... ~~4 
Charles E. Grassley 
Chairman 
United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary 
cc: Commissioner Mignon Clyburn 
Commissioner Michael O'Reilly 
Commissioner Ajit Pai 
Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel