Federal Communications Commission	"FCC  XX-XXX"


STATEMENT OF
CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI

Re:	Modernization of Media Regulation Initiative, MB Docket No. 17-105; Revisions to Cable Television Rate Regulations, MB Docket No. 02-144; Implementation of Sections of the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992: Rate Regulation, MM Docket Nos. 92-266 and 93-215; Adoption of Uniform Accounting System for the Provision of Regulated Cable Service, CS Docket No. 94-28; Cable Pricing Flexibility, CS Docket No. 96-157.

Because of changes in the video marketplace, cable rates are only regulated in some communities in two states, Hawaii and Massachusetts.  And even in those communities, only rates for one tier of service—the basic service tier—are regulated.  Yet the FCC’s cable rate regulations are mind-numbingly complex, filling up 52 pages in the Code of Federal Regulations.  They are also outdated.  For example, some rules refer to forms that are no longer in active use.   

The time has come for a wholesale review of our complicated web of cable rate regulations and forms.  Our aim is to dramatically simplify these regulations and bring them up to date.  This effort reflects one of the baseline principles of this Commission:  Today’s regulations should reflect today’s marketplace. 

My thanks to the staff who did excellent work on this important item: Michelle Carey, Katie Costello, Martha Heller, Tom Horan, Nancy Murphy, Brendan Murray, Holly Saurer, and Sarah Whitesell from the Media Bureau, and Susan Aaron and Dave Konczal from the Office of General Counsel. 



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