I don't have cable (even thought it is available in my building) as I do not watch much TV.
but I would like to watch the news every know and then and the over the air broadcast is well over the air broadcast.
I read something about Cable companies being required by FCC to provide access to "Local analog TV channels". Is that ture? can I call them up and ask for analog local channels for free?
Thanks
2007-09-13 06:10:34 · 4 answers · asked by Allen Wise (bpnbpn@hotmail.com) 1 in Consumer Electronics ➔ TVs
They are required by law to carry the channels, but not to provide them for free-sorry!
2007-09-13 07:41:00 · answer #1 · answered by jjki_11738 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I've never heard of a place that has any free cable programing.
The "must carry" rule just means that the cable company has to carry the local TV channels as part of their service. This is so people can watch the local news without switching to an antenna. It also keeps local broadcast stations in business by keeping advertising dollars local.
In the last two areas I lived in, the cable company offered a very limited service for about $10/month. They didn't advertise this fact and the service was just the local broadcasts plus a few others.
When a cable company wants to start service in an area, they normally have to get permission of the local/state government. This gives the local/state government leverage in requiring "very limited service" options and local access channels.
2007-09-13 13:59:59 · answer #2 · answered by Stephen P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A cable company is required by FCC to carry the local channels within so many miles of where they get their feed from but not for free. In the majority of places this consists of 15 to 20 channels and normally costs between $15/$20 per month. There will be an installation charge and you would have to meet the technician for the installation. This is sometimes a pain but meant to help you. You wouldn't want to pay the installation and then it doesn't work so it actually saves you time in the end.
2007-09-14 02:27:52 · answer #3 · answered by littleone 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. They are only required to provide those services to schools as part of the "cable in the classroom" project. Other than that, they do not have to provide any TV services to anyone except paying customers. Any public access channels in your immediate area are required to broadcast over the air though so that everyone can pick up their channels with an off-air antenna.
2016-05-18 21:21:50 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋