The Federal Communications Commission expanded eligibility for licenses in the Cable Television Relay Service (CARS) to all multichannel video programming distributors. That means that operators of private cable systems and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) systems, among others, may now qualify for licenses in the 12 GHz and 18 GHz bands.
CARS is principally a video transmission service that provides over-the-air links in cable operators' distribution systems.
The commission, in a unanimous adoption, said the move would enhance competition to incumbent cable operators.
