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Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Passes STELA Reauthorization with Latta Provision

Washington, March 25, 2014 | Sarah Criser (202-225-6405)

Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) today released the following statement after the House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee passed the reauthorization of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA) to ensure more than one million households across the country do not face a disruption or loss in their satellite television service. The legislation also included a provision sponsored by Congressman Latta to eliminate the integration ban regulation on leased set-top boxes.

“I am pleased that the Communications and Technology Subcommittee passed legislation reauthorizing STELA, which included my provision eliminating the integration ban that has resulted in more than $1 billion in costs for consumers and businesses,” said Latta. “This marks a critical step forward in protecting satellite television subscribers’ access to broadcast TV and advances the removal of regulatory barriers currently in place that impede investment, innovation and consumer choice in the video industry. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to advance this legislation out of the full committee and to identify other areas where we can better align this country’s laws with the 21st century communications marketplace.”

The STELA reauthorization extends the provisions in the Communications Act that allow satellite providers to offer these distant signals for five years. It also eliminates the sweeps week prohibition on signal changes. In addition, it includes Congressman Latta’s provision from H.R. 3196, eliminating the section of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) rules that require CableCARDs in leased set-top boxes. This provision will give cable companies more set-top box flexibility, allowing the FCC to use other means to regulate the set-top box marketplace.

At the end of 2014, the provisions that allow satellite providers to transmit distant signals to 1.5 million unserved households will expire, unless Congress reauthorizes these provisions. Distant signals are used to serve subscribers in markets where satellite providers do not offer local programming and in unserved parts of the country where one of the four national broadcast networks does not have an over-the-air affiliate.

VIDEO: Congressman Latta’s Opening Remarks Before the Communications and Technology Subcommittee 

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