The FCC is looking to spur competition in pay TV by considering steps that would give new Internet video services access to cable and broadcast shows, according to a person briefed on the plan. The commissin under Chairman Tom Wheeler, is preparing a proposal to help so-called over-the-top TV — multichannel services that seek to offer live programming via the Web — said the person, who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity.
Although low-cost over-the-top TV services continue to gain steam, a somewhat older multichannel TV provider will continue to grow. Media researcher Parks Associates says IPTV subscribers will more than double in five years to some 18 million from the current subscriber base of 8.8 million. This will give the business an 18% share.
