OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
March 2, 2010
The Honorable Joseph Crowley
U.S. House ofRepresentatives
2404 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Crowley:
Thank you for your letter regarding a Petition for Waiver that Cablevision Systems
Corporation filed with the Commission. Cablevision had requested a waiver ofthe
Commission's rule (76.630(a)) prohibiting encryption ofthe basic service tier by a cable
television system operator.
I am pleased to report that on January 8, 2010, the Commission's Media Bureau approved
Cablevision's waiver request subject to certain conditions, including a requirement for
Cablevision to submit regular reports describing the number ofcustomer complaints received
relating to the waiver. This reporting requirement will help to inform the Commission on the
further utility ofthe encryption rule. I am enclosing a copy ofthe Bureau's Order for your
information.
I appreciate learning your views on this important matter. IfI can be offurther
assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Enclosure