Test Your Connection
Speed Now


FCC Requires Verizon to Deploy Separable Security for HD and DVR

May 22, 2008

Despite an appeal for more time, Verizon Communications must meet a Federal Communications Commission requirement that all telco television providers must deploy advanced set-top boxes for FiOS TV with separable security components by July 1.

When the FCC required the majority of cable operators to provide only CableCard-based set-tops in July 2007, telco television providers, including Verizon, were granted a one-year extension. According to an FCC statement, the extension was allowed because set-top box manufacturers had not developed any nonintegrated HD or DVR devices for FiOS TV systems using coaxial cable.

Verizon Appealed FCC Requirements

In an appeal, Verizon contended that separable security for their set-top boxes from Motorola would be difficult and costly due to “the lack of standards for Verizon’s hybrid QAM/IP approach.” Verizon’s appeal was not granted and as the one-year extension draws near, Verizon and other telco television providers must adhere to the FCC requirement to use CableCards in their HD and DVR set-tops.

Verizon’s New Motorola-Designed Set-Top Boxes

Motorola, Verizon’s set-top supplier, has now designed two new set-tops to meet the FCC requirements while providing more processing power and the ability to support MPEG-4 video. Evan Groat, director of product management for hybrid set-top boxes for Motorola said, “It’s basically the same exercise the cable industry went through to put a CableCard in the boxes,” Groat said. “The challenge was to update the technology on the new platform and do it in a pretty short time frame.”

Verizon media relations director, Bobbi Henson, said, “We have a separable CableCard-based solution and we’re on track to meet the FCC requirement.”