PRESS RELEASE

Independent Cable and Telecommunications Association (ICTA) views the Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM), which addresses exclusive contracts and perpetual contracts and emanating from the inside wiring rulemaking, as critical to the enhancement of competition in the cable television marketplace. Therefore, ICTA petitioned the FCC to extend the Reply Comment period beyond the date of January 23. This extension was requested so that a highly respected economist can complete an economic analysis of numerous factors relevant to the FNPRM. The FCC has granted this extension and Reply Comments will now be due on March 2. Attached please find a curriculum vitae of Dr. Michael D. Whinston who will complete the economic analysis.

Mr. John Norcutt, President of ICTA, had this to say today, "The recent FCC Report on Competition and particularly Chairman Kennard's public statement make it clear that competition must be enhanced. If competition is to be enhanced, changes need to be made other than comprehensive rate reregulation. Thousands of Private Cable Operators around the country are ready, willing and able to provide such competition. This will only happen if the FCC recognizes the role of exclusive contracts and changes the rules regarding perpetual contracts. Now is the time. These changes are critical and ICTA believes the economic analysis will help the FCC move in the right direction to enhance competition though Private Cable Operators serving the 32 million Americans living in apartment buildings (MDUs)."

For more details contact the above parties.