Obama urges more consumer choices for cable TV set-top boxes

Big bucks: Obama has asked for US$19bil (RM79.3bil) for cybersecurity across the US government.

WASHINGTON: The Obama administration weighed in on the debate over allowing consumers to switch from pricey cable television boxes to less expensive devices, urging regulators to set an example for the rest of government on how to boost competition. 

Consumers can spend nearly US$1,000 (RM3,882) over four years renting cable set-top boxes. Allowing consumers to chose devices or apps they can own could mean quick savings, according to the administration.