In a recent blog, FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly called for an end to FCC signal leakage rules for systems that have deployed substantial amounts of fiber. The FCC’s signal leakage rules were adopted when cable systems and other multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) employed radio frequency (RF) distribution systems to deliver their services to customers. Today, MVPDs have moved from RF distribution to fiber optics-based platforms to bring their services into neighborhoods. Commissioner O’Rielly correctly points out that because fiber systems use light waves rather than RF signals, the deployment of fiber reduces (but does not eliminate) the risk of RF interference to other services from MVPD signal leakage. The Commissioner indicates his belief that MVPDs could incur substantial cost savings if they were relieved of the obligation to measure, calculate and file annual cumulative leakage index (CLI) reports required under the Commission’s rules. However, Commissioner O’Rielly’s blog does not make any specific proposals to this end. Presently, it should be noted that fiber based distribution systems still convert the optical signals to RF either at the curb or in the home as existing consumer electronics equipment is not equipped to decode optical signals. Under existing rules, MVPDs are required to comply with CLI requirements only where RF signals are operated at power levels that pose a potential risk of interference with aeronuatical communications and navigation. Commissioner O’Rielly’s blog does not discuss how the elimination of CLI requirements for MVPD systems that use substantial but still unspecified amounts of fiber would adequately protect aeronautical communications.
