F.C.C. Proposes Changes in Cable Set-Top Box Market

The New York Times: WASHINGTON — The cable set-top box, long a scourge of consumers and a moneymaker for cable companies, appears set for a makeover.

The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday announced a proposal allowing cable and satellite subscribers to pick the devices they use to watch programming. Nearly all customers now must get their boxes from their cable companies, and they pay an average of $231 a year to lease the devices.

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