A private cable operator (also known as PCO) is a private small independent

cable Cable may refer to: Mechanical * Nautical cable, an assembly of three or more ropes woven against the weave of the ropes, rendering it virtually waterproof * Wire rope, a type of rope that consists of several strands of metal wire laid into a hel ...

company competing directly with

Multi system operator A multiple-system operator (MSO) is an operator of multiple cable or direct-broadcast satellite television systems. A cable system in the United States, by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) definition, is a facility serving a single commun ...

s (MSO). PCOs typically offer services to multi-family dwellings,

gated communities A gated community (or walled community) is a form of residential community or housing estate containing strictly controlled entrances for pedestrians, bicycles, and automobiles, and often characterized by a closed perimeter of walls and fences. ...

, hotels and other small businesses. In some small municipalities in the city may be a PCO. In some cases PCOs offer voice, wireless and data services as well. The U.S.

Federal Communications Commission The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent agency of the United States federal government that regulates communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable across the United States. The FCC maintains jurisdicti ...

(FCC) currently has rules regarding the exclusive contracts that used to be granted to cable providers.

References

Cable television in the United States {{tech-stub