Cable Rates

Re “Cable Needs Competition,” editorial, March 2: The impending deregulation of most cable TV rates at the end of this month is but another indication that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 is a colossal failure. Through a combination of flawed public policy, unrealistic expectations and cash-register politics in Washington, the Telecom Act has left consumers with the worst of all worlds.

Cable rates are soaring at four times the rate of inflation and now Congress wants to sunset rate regulation at the end of this month even though more than eight out of 10 people who subscribe to a pay TV service still must rely on a monopoly cable provider. This makes no sense. The remedy proposed in your column, effective competition by satellite providers, is badly needed. In the meantime, however, some regulation of cable rates is needed to protect consumers from considerable price-gouging.

ELLIOT BECKER

Former Cable Commissioner

San Diego County