Cable expects wireless aid from FCC industry pushes for mobile data-roaming pacts.(RULES)(Federal Communications Commission)

WASHINGTON -- Cable operators next week expect to get help in the wireless-broadband space from the Federal Communications Commission.

After recently acting to keep pole-attachment rates from rising ("Cable to Get a Break On Its Phone Bills," March 28, 2011, page 14), the FCC is likely on Thursday (April 7) to help pave the way for widespread data-roaming agreements mirroring rules on voice roaming.

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The commission is continuing to act on its top mission of promoting broadband deployment, an overarching mandate that has cut both ways for cable operators.

The downside of that mission, as far as cable is concerned, is that it …