In what's bound to start a wave of "me too" from the industry as a whole, Charter Communications has obtained a waiver from the FCC to get an extra year to comply with open access rules for set-top boxes. The rules require cable providers to comply with the CableCARD standard so you can buy your own cable box or DVR and use it with any cable provider. While the rule is set to go into effect on July 1 of this year, the waiver gives Charter an extra year to work with. Any bets that other providers like Comcast, Cox and Time Warner aren't going to ask for a similar waiver?
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I am disgusted with the cable companies being so greedy. I am one consumer who is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to buy my own DVD recorder with a CableCard. Then if I want to order HBO or Showtime, etc. I can get it for a couple of months, then drop it when there isn't much on that I want to see. I am sick of having to RENT a box from the cable company just to see a show I like like Dextor or Big Love. Charter charges about $18 a month for a DVR where I live. That is outrageous and you still have to pay extra for the Premium channels. It just isn't worth it.