The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday moved on issues related to exclusive contracts for the provision of video services in multiple dwelling units, an effort that aims to break cable’s occasional lock on the market.

Specifically, the commission is seeking comment on the use of exclusive contracts in the MDU video provider marketplace and the impact the deals have on video competition. The notice put out by the FCC also tentatively concludes that the agency has authority to regulate exclusive contracts for the provision of video services to MDUs or other real estate developments, especially if the agency finds the contracts may impede competition and impair deployment of video services.

As part of its efforts, the notice seeks comment on what specific steps the commission should take to ensure that exclusive contracts do not unreasonably impede competitive video entry.

“Potential competitors seeking to enter the video marketplace have expressed concerns that the use of exclusive contracts for MDUs are barriers to entry, preventing consumers in MDUs from receiving the benefits of video competition,” said FCC Chairman Kevin Martin.

Martin also used the proceeding to again attack cable. “All of us here on the commission have expressed concern about rising cable prices and the importance of encouraging greater competition in the delivery of multichannel video programming,” he said.