A Philadelphia federal district judge has granted preliminary approval of a $15.5 million class action settlement against the cable giant Comcast.

The proposed settlement stems from claims that the Philadelphia-based communications company unlawfully tied the sale of its premium cable service to the rental of a set-top box. U.S. District Judge Anita Brody of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania gave preliminary approval Wednesday to the settlement, finding that the terms appeared to be fair and supported by the discovery that had taken place.