On September 11, 2003, SBCA filed comments to the FCC for its tenth annual assessment of multichannel video competition.  The multichannel video market has changed significantly in the past ten years.  Satellite-delivered television service has grown from a niche market for technophiles to a viable alternative to cable for many consumers.  In order for the satellite television providers to continue to offer consumers superior quality and programming, the Commission must craft and enforce regulations that protect and foster the competitive gains that have been made in the last decade.  Resolution of outstanding issues surrounding the integrity of the DBS spectrum and the formulation of a fair regulatory environment during the transition to digital broadcasting is necessary for DBS to reach its full potential as a competitor to cable in the multichannel video market.

The ninth annual report, released in December 2002, shows that as of June 2002, there were approximately 18 million U.S. homes receiving multichannel video service from a satellite provider, which means that 20.3 percent of consumer households receive programming from a satellite provider. That is a 12.5 percent increase from the 16 million satellite subscribers reported last year. Overall, there are 89.9 million U.S. households that receive multichannel video programming. Cable operators continue to dominate the multichannel video marketplace, with 68.8 million homes receiving cable service.

SBCA Filings

September 11, 2003- Comments on NOI

August 30, 2002- Reply Comments

July 29, 2002- Comments on NOI (Attachments)

August 3, 2001- Comments on NOI

September 8, 2000- Comments on NOI

FCC Decisions

July 30, 2003- 2003 Notice of Inquiry

December 31, 2002- 2002 Annual Report

June 13, 2002- 2002 Notice of Inquiry

January 14, 2002- 2001 Annual Report

June 25, 2001- 2001 Notice of Inquiry (NOI)

January 8, 2001- 2000 Annual Report