FCC balks at freezing cable rates

Article Abstract:

The FCC, amid rising cable-TV rates, is expected to propose stronger rules for encouraging industry competition. A majority of FCC officials hope the moves will avoid rate freezes, which consumer groups and some public officials are demanding. A new FCC survey reports that in the 12 months ended Jul 1, 1997, regulated cable systems and unregulated cable systems raised their rates by 8.5% and 9.6% respectively across the US. Cable operators have added various new rate increases recently, most of which take effect in Jan 1998. The charges range from 7% in San Diego and Long Island, NY, to 17% in New England, according to incomplete FCC data. Cable rates have jumped significantly since the FCC sliced rates by a total of 17% in 1993 and 1994. The increases reflect increased customer value through improved service and more channels, plus higher programmer charges, according to the National Cable Television Association.

Laws, regulations and rules, Prices and rates, Telecommunications regulations, United States. Federal Communications Commission, Government communications regulation

---

Adelphia will buy Century in $3.6 billion deal

Article Abstract:

Adelphia Communications Corp. is acquiring Century Communications Corp. for $3.6 billion in stock and cash. The merger of the two family-owned cable television service providers will create the nation's fifth-largest cable TV company with nearly five million subscribers. The new company will be controlled by Adelphia's current stockholders, the John Rigas family while Century Communications' Tow family will receive a 20% stake in Adelphia. The acquisition, Adelphia's fourth in as many months, lowered its shares by $2.625 to $54.50 while Century's stock closed up 10% to $39. The merger of these two relatively unknown service providers is a part of the ongoing consolidation within the industry and cable TV's effort to offer digital services to the consumer in competition with telecommunications companies.

Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Adelphia Communications Corp., ADLAC, Century Communications Corp., CTYA

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Gas-guzzlers still cruise offices. A file may be deleted, but may not be gone. Bob: a new best friend has personality quirks
• Abstracts: Now, making a game out of 'Connections'. For games, old wine comes in new bottles. I compute, therefore you die
• Abstracts: AST names former Apple aide CEO, posts loss of $96.4 million. Apple Computer's pact with Pioneer marks first big vendor to clone Mac
• Abstracts: Clinton continues to stumble over the 'E' word (encryption). A most-wanted cyberthief is caught in his own web
• Abstracts: A great CD-ROM that does justice to viewing great art. Dragon Systems takes a giant step in speech recognition

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.