FCC looks at cap on size of cable systems

WASHINGTON -- Comcast Corp., the nation's largest cable operator, would be effectively barred from buying any other large cable company under an ownership rule the Federal Communications Commission is considering.

The rule would block companies from owning systems that reach more than 30 percent of pay TV households. Philadelphia-based Comcast reaches about 27 percent after buying systems from Adelphia Communications Corp. and Time Warner Cable Inc.

FCC chairman Kevin Martin circulated the proposed ownership cap to other commissioners Monday , said Rudy Brioche, a legal adviser to Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein. Cable companies criticized the proposal, which is similar to a rule rejected by a federal court in 2001.

Tamara Lipper, a spokeswoman for Martin, declined to comment on the proposed order , as did Comcast spokeswoman Sena Fitzmaurice.