Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 110 Part 1.djvu/141

 PUBLIC LAW 104-104—FEB. 8, 1996 110 STAT. 117 (2) in subsection (c)(1)— (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively; and (B) by inserting before such redesignated subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph: "(A) the need to maximize open competition in the market for all features, functions, protocols, and other product and service options of converter boxes and other cable converters unrelated to the descrambling or decr5^tion of cable television signals;"; and (3) in subsection (c)(2)— (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as subparagraphs (E) and (F), respectively; and (B) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new subparagraph: "(D) to ensure that any standards or regulations developed under the authority of this section to ensure compatibility between televisions, video cassette recorders, and cable systems do not affect features, functions, protocols, and other product and service options other than those specified in paragraph (1)(B), including telecommunications interface equipment, home automation communications, and computer network services;". (g) SUBSCRIBER NOTICE.—Section 632 (47 U.S.C. 552) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection: "(c) SUBSCRIBER NOTICE.— A cable operator may provide notice of service and rate changes to subscribers using any reasonable written means at its sole discretion. Notwithstanding section 623(b)(6) or any other provision of this Act, a cable operator shall not be required to provide prior notice of any rate change that is the result of a regulatory fee, franchise fee, or any other fee, tax, assessment, or charge of any kind imposed by any Federal agency. State, or franchising authority on the transaction between the operator and the subscriber.". (h) PROGRAM ACCESS.—Section 628 (47 U.S.C. 548) is amended by adding at the end the following: "(j) COMMON CARRIERS.—Any provision that applies to a cable operator under this section shall apply to a common carrier or its affiliate that provides video programming by any means directly to subscribers. Any such provision that applies to a satellite cable programming vendor in which a cable operator has an attributable interest shall apply to any satellite cable programming vendor in which such common carrier has an attributable interest. For the purposes of this subsection, two or fewer common officers or directors shall not by itself establish an attributable interest by a common carrier in a satellite cable programming vendor (or its parent company).". (i) ANTITRAFFICKING.—Section 617 (47 U.S.C. 537) is amended— (1) by striking subsections (a) through (d); and (2) in subsection (e), by striking "(e)" and all that follows through "a franchising authority" and inserting "A franchising authority".

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