Specifically, the NPRM proposes to interpret the term MVPD to encompass distributors of multiple linear video programming streams, including Internet-based services, and asks for comment on: An alternative interpretation that would require an MVPD to have control over a transmission path;

How each interpretation would impact MVPDs, consumers, and content owners, and how each would promote competition and broadband adoption;

How the Commission should apply its retransmission consent "good faith" negotiation rules with respect to Internet-based MVPDs to protect local broadcasters; and

Whether these proposals would affect the regulatory status of IP-delivered video services by cable operators and DBS providers.

The distinction comes because the FCC is still looking for "distributors of multiple linear video programming streams" -- not those that are primarily video on-demand. It might take away the requirement that services be tied to or own their own transmission path, although an alternative interpretation could change that. Now the FCC is accepting comments on the proposal, and we're sure the incumbents of the cable industry will chime in to protect their advantage. Consumer advocacy group Public Knowledge applauded the move, as senior staff attorney John Bergman said that "By clarifying that MVPDs can operate online, it is creating opportunities for new and existing competitors to offer new kinds of video subscription services to viewers. This should both increase the diversity of content available to viewers online while bringing down prices for all cable and satellite providers."

Whatever happens, it won't come soon enough for Aereo, but as commissioner Ajit Pai pointed out in his comments, there's a possibility the Copyright Office will also need to get in line for the rules to have an effect. Whatever happens, the new rules are opening up for a comment period while the FCC is also considering net neutrality, and major mergers for both Comcast / Time Warner Cable and AT&T / DirecTV, which should make for an exciting (really!) 2015 of flipping through PDFs and watching C-SPAN.

[Image credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images]