FCC ponders opening set top boxes to broadband connections, greater competition

The FCC has this week signaled its intent to snoop around set top boxes and how they may be improved. Prompted by “a lack of competition and innovation in this market,” the regulator will look into ways it can encourage the proliferation of broadband internet access provision as well as stimulating further advances. One potential solution may involve compelling cable and broadband providers to supply “bridge” network interface devices that’ll allow users to hook up their set top box to a modem and get groovy online. Whatever the final proposals are, and they’ll take more definite shape in February, we’re pleased to see the FCC take a proactive approach toward an industry it perceives to be stagnating. Our idea? Boxee Boxes for everyone!

FCC ponders opening set top boxes to broadband connections, greater competition originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This post is tagged: Broadband, Cisco, competition, Internet, internet tv, InternetTv, Motorola, regulation, regulator, set-top boxes, set-top-box, SetTopBox, SetTopBoxes