[20040405]RS21775_有线电视：国会费率和其他问题的背景和概述.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21775Updated April 5, 2004Cable Television: Background and Overviewof Rates and Other Issues for CongressJustin MurrayInformation Research SpecialistInformation Research DivisionSummaryThis report presents information on the history of federal regulation of the cabletelevision industry and background information on cable rates and other cable industryissues. Cable service is received by 70.5 million television homes, or approximately74.9 % of all pay television subscribers. The Telecommunications Act of 1996, 110Stat. 56, P.L. 104-104, eliminated most cable rate regulation beyond the basic tier ofservices as of March 31, 1999. Some small cable operators were freed from regulationupon the enactment of the law, but in most cases, rates for a basic tier of servicescontinue to be regulated. The Telecommunications Act also opened up new areas ofcompetition between telephone companies and cable companies. This report will beupdated as legislation or news events warrant.History of Cable Rate RegulationThe Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, 98 Stat. 2779, P.L. 98-549,