CEA Urges FCC to Deny Yet Another Cable Request to Thwart Competition; Charter Communications' Waiver Request Would Halt Competition in the Navigation Device Market

ARLINGTON, Va.--Sept. 20, 2006--The following statement was issued today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)) President and CEO Gary Shapiro regarding CEA's comments recently filed to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). CEA details why Charter Communications' request for waiver of common reliance on separate security functions in cable and consumer electronics devices should be denied:

"Charter's request for a waiver of the FCC's rules is part of the cable industry's relentless campaign to keep Americans chained to their cable-mandated set-top boxes.

As ordered by Congress, the FCC is required to allow competitive entry into the navigation device market. This will result in a proliferation of exciting new products that Americans can buy at retail and use with their cable service. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has twice upheld the FCC's discretion in carrying out its own rules to assure the competitive availability of devices.

We continue to support the Commission and urge it to do the right thing for competition and consumers by denying Charter's request."

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

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