Charter Issues Statement Related to FCC Retransmission Consent, Wi-Fi Orders

Charter Communications, Inc.

today released the following statement in response to today's FCC Actions on Retransmission Consent and Wi-Fi. "Charter applauds and thanks Chairman Wheeler and each of the Commissioners for adopting rules today that will greatly benefit consumers.  First, by prohibiting collusive joint negotiation of retransmission consent agreements among top 4 stations in a market, the Commission has curtailed an abusive practice that harms consumers and unfairly drives up retransmission consent fees.  The chief factor in rising cable rates for consumers is the increasing cost of programming and today's actions will help moderate those forces.  We look forward to working with the Commission on additional pro-consumer retransmission consent reforms.  Second, by facilitating the use of Wi-Fi in the U-NII-1 band, the Commission opens the door for exciting and innovative new products and technologies for consumers.  The Commission's actions will enable consumers to access super-fast Wi-Fi technology and ease congestion in existing bands."