The Coming Digital Conversion

High definition channels are already available from your cable operator. But during the next few years, all off-air channels and cable channels will all need to be delivered digitally. Your cable operator will deliver channels so that all television sets can still be used in your home.

Welcome to the Iowa Cable & Telecommunications Association:

Iowa's cable television operators provide cable television, high speed internet and telephone service to communities throughout the State of Iowa. Iowa's cable television operators provide informative, entertaining and reliable service through the use of fiber optic technology and coaxial cable .

Any company which provides video service to Iowans through the use of fiber optic or copper lines is eligible for regular membership in the association. For information contact us. Any company which provide programming and/or equipment to cable television operators is eligible for associate membership of the association. A seven person board of directors governs the ICTA.

The State of Iowa and local communities have the authority to issue franchises. Once a cable franchise is granted, those levels of government act as the regulator. Traditionally, all franchises came from local municipalities. Today, a franchise may also be available from the State. New entrants and existing operators, under some conditions, may receive a franchise from the Iowa Utilities Board. At the federal level, cable is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission. Despite the emergence of competition from both satellite and wire-based competitors, government closely regulates cable operations.

The abiding principles of the association are that:

1. Cable operators should provide professional service to their customers, including high quality customer service.
   
2. Competition is beneficial in this industry and in telecommunications generally, so long as it is fair competition.
   
3. It is nearly impossible for competition with one's regulator to be fair.
   
4. Cable is a service which a customer may choose to subscribe to or not, programming decisions should be made by the operators and not the government.