STATEMENT OF 
COMMISSIONER MIGNON L. CLYBURN
Re:  Cable Television Technical and Operational Requirements, MB Docket No. 12-217
Today we take a major step forward toward syncing our cable television technical 
and operational requirements with current realities.  In light of the fundamental shifts in 
the industry since these rules were first put into place, these updates were necessary and 
are grounded in common sense.  Through modernized rules on cable proof of 
performance and signal leakage, the FCC is being flexible and forward-looking when it 
comes to the industries that it regulates.
We offer a set of rules that seek to create quality standards for the performance of 
digital cable signals where only standards for analog signals existed.  Eighty-percent of 
today’s customers now receive some level of digital service. With this NPRM, no longer 
will cable providers who use digital signals to reach their customers have to seek waivers 
to the proof-of-performance rules or risk enforcement actions for non-compliance.  
Digital cable providers will now have a standard of performance against which their 
signals can be measured, and the FCC will have the means to ensure that consumers are 
receiving a minimum level of service.
Similarly, we are seeking to set standards for digital cable signal leakage where 
formerly only analog standards existed.  Improperly maintained coaxial cable systems 
can potentially interfere with aircraft communications, and prior to this item, there were 
no interference standards that applied to digital signals.  Approval of this item will mean 
that we are closer to establishing a standard that will provide aeronautical 
communications, the same level of protection from digital cable signal leakage as it 
currently has from analog cable signal leakage.
In sum, the changes that we seek are both consumer- and industry-friendly. In 
addition, these requirements will enhance public safety by minimizing needless 
interference with airline communications.  And industry stands to benefit from the 
stability of standardized metrics and by no longer having to continually seek a waiver 
from a rule that may no longer make sense in light of a changed marketplace.
Today’s updates provide a more coherent regulatory environment for all 
interested parties, and I wish to thank the Media Bureau, especially Jeff Neumann, for the 
great work on this item.