FCC to bring down new CableCARD rules in October 14th meeting

The FCC announced the agenda for its October 14th meeting and low and behold it contains the FCCs intent to release a "Third Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration that will make changes to the FCC's CableCARD rules." So obviously it's our hope that the changes proposed in the FCC's Broadband plan will become a mandate and not just a dream. Here's a refresher, the proposed changes include:

• Ditch Tuning Adapters and let devices with Ethernet ports communicate upstream via IP to tune SDV channels.

• If a customer has a CableCARD in their leased set-top box, it must be reflected on the bill like any other CableCARD would.

• If the provider offers a self install for leased set-top boxes, they must also allow self install of a CableCARD.

• Software shouldn't require the same CableLabs certification hardware does.

All or none of these are a possibility, but considering the comments by the NCTA and its members, it is nieve to believe that these are anywhere near guaranteed at this point. In addition to the changes, we wait to hear when the new rules will go into effect, initially the FCC intended on making them law this Fall, so if that is still the case, expect to hassle your cable provider about 'em before the end of the year (December 21st is the first day of Winter).