The app-ification of content distribution as the main platform is starting to take over. The issue now is less about access to cable tv and more to broadband and also making sure that the platforms for getting that content setup a universal model for say application to make it work on any platform.
I thought you could already use a 3rd party box, you just had to pay for the decryption card. Before I hopped off cable and onto fiber I was using an HDhomerun Prime with charter.
Definitely a step in the right direction for cable, but I'm sure they'll fight it tooth and nail. 10 years later when they finally implement this, how many cable customers will be left? Even if there are still customers, it won't save them any money since the companies will just raise prices elsewhere to make up for it.