The FCC ruled late Monday that it will let a "viewability rule" that required cable operators to carry both the analog and digital signals from many TV stations in local markets expire at the end of the year. Cable MSOs cheered the decision, saying it will give local systems bandwidth needed to offer subscribers faster broadband Internet speeds and other new products.

"By permitting cable operators to offer must-carry signals in digital only, these providers can now use the reclaimed  capacity to offer improved services, such as better broadband and more diverse programming options," American Cable Association president Matt Polka said in a statement.

National Cable & Telecommunications president Michael Powell also cheered the decision. "With the majority of all households now enjoying digital services, the cable industry will maximize its bandwidth to provide innovative services that connect consumers to things they care about most," Powell said in a statement.

The FCC ruled 5-0 that it would extend the viewability rule by six months. It is now scheduled to sunset in December.