American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka, in a statement, praised the Federal Communications Commission's decision to streamline transactions involving cable operators and competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs) under section 652 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

"ACA is pleased with the FCC decision sought by the National Cable & Telecommunications Association because Section 652 acted to inhibit transactions between cable operators and CLECs - transactions which have the potential to bring substantial benefits to consumers and further the public interest, including in smaller markets served by smaller providers," Polka said.

The FCC said its Sept. 17 decision will likely speed the entry of cable operators into the market for telecommunications services provided to business customers and that alliances between CLECs and cable operators would result in increased facilities-based competition.