Final answer:
The provided materials do not specify which legislation allowed customers to own their cable equipment. However, the FCC has overseen developments in the cable industry, with the Telecommunications Act of 1996 being a pivotal piece of legislation impacting telecommunications but not specifically addressing customer ownership of cable equipment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legislation passed by the federal government that allowed customers to purchase and own their own equipment in order to receive cable service is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which oversees and regulates interstate communications, including cable, has evolved in its regulatory approach since its establishment in 1934. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 is one significant piece of legislation that brought changes to the telecommunications industry, removing limits on ownership and promoting competition, although this Act specifically did not address customer ownership of cable equipment.
It's possible that the question is referencing an FCC regulation rather than a piece of legislation like an act of Congress. The FCC, through its various rules and decisions, has had a profound impact on the cable industry in terms of ownership, pricing, and competition. While there was deregulation in the telecommunications industry, allowing for greater customer choice and market-driven competition, the exact legislation that allowed customers to own their cable equipment is not provided in the given materials.