Cable TV providers say they will halt moving analog channels to digital ones between the dates of December 31 and March 1, to avoid confusing customers as the entire nation is switching to digital broadcast in February. The National Cable & Telecommunications Association sent letters to congress which state that cable TV companies would prefer not to add a “layer of complexity” as U.S. broadcasters begin to transmit all-digital signals after February 17.

Cable channel providers are confronting regulatory oversight over their intention of shifting analog channels to digital - resulting in analog consumers being left with fewer channels to watch unless they utilize adapters, upgrade to digital, or rent a digital set-top box. Cable operators say they are attempting to trick customers with promotional offers such as free adapters.

The decision by Cable TV operators’ to change analog to digital channels allows them to use their network bandwidth for more high-definition programming. It is unrelated to the national switch to digital broadcasting. Regulators are looking into whether broadcasters are misinforming customers into thinking the 2 events are actually linked, which could cause more customers to opt for digital video services.

Once cable operators move the analog channels to digital, from March 2 to June 30, the companies will provide housholds with analog signals at least 1 hardware equipment free for a year to let them keep watching in analog. Certain fees also will be forfeited temporarily. The industry stated it would notify customers and franchising personnel at least thirty days in advance of the shift.

Consumers Union, which had criticized cable’s channel-switching practices, called this a “welcome first step”. However, the union also stated that while the voluntary quiet period provides short-term relief for consumers, it does not resolve issue with “high prices and discriminatory practices.”