washington obama administration friday weigh debate allow consumers switch pricey cable television box less expensive devices urge regulators set example rest government boost competition consumers spend nearly 1,000 four years rent cable set-top box allow consumers choose devices apps could mean quick save accord administration competition good consumers president barack obama say interview yahoo finance ultimately good business competition products service innovation take place federal communications commission fcc february propose rule open competition 20 billion television set-top box market set 60-day comment period rule could deal financial blow cable company administration issue rare file rule fcc independent agency rule would allow consumers obtain video service providers alphabet inc google apple inc tivo instead cable satellite television providers comcast corp verizon communications inc. unclear rule implement obama leave office january cable television company lash proposal say could stifle innovation rule minority programmers would damage consumers would lose privacy protections saddle cost re-engineering network say michael powell head trade group national cable telecommunications association company also contend white house pressure fcc say inappropriate action damage company seriously invest build broadband infrastructure country also great harm confidence able impartiality fcc proceed say jim cicconi senior executive vice president inc. obama also sign executive order friday call federal agencies departments report 60 days areas additional measure take open competition teleconference call reporters jason furman chairman council economic advisers would speculate kind pro-competition measure order could spur administration look add consumer-friendly action cell phone net neutrality retirement advice go whole government effort empower consumers workers small businesses furman say obama urge consumer choices cable tv set-top box