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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive local broadcast channels with a satellite dish?

Digital tv converter information.In late 1999, Congress enacted the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act (SHVIA), which allowed satellite providers to expand their programming to include local broadcast stations.  Currently, the two DBS providers, DIRECTV and DISH Network, offer local channels to consumers in many areas throughout the United States.  To see a complete listing of the markets where local programming is available through either DIRECTV or DISH Network, please visit their respective Web sites at:  www.directv.com and www.dishnetwork.com

Although both DIRECTV and DISH Network hope to continue to roll-out local channels in additional U.S. markets in the near future, they may be prevented from doing so because of the onerous nature of the satellite “must carry” law.  Under satellite “must carry," if a company broadcasts one local network station in a market area, it must broadcast all local network stations in this market area.   As a result, satellite providers will be forced to broadcast many local stations that are duplicative or have a very limited viewer ship.  Having to broadcast all local stations in one market area, including small independents, will occupy considerable spectrum space and therefore, providers will not have the spectrum to deliver the primary local channels to additional markets throughout the United States.

The SBCA feels that the “must carry” mandate is both a violation of the satellite industry’s constitutional rights (first and fifth amendment) and unfair to consumers, especially those living in smaller market areas who may never have the option of receiving local programming via satellite. We are continuing to explore our legal options.

Can a Homeowner’s Association or landlord prevent me from installing a satellite dish?

No.  Under FCC guidelines, a Homeowner’s Association or a landlord cannot prevent a homeowner from installing a satellite dish less than one meter in diameter on any property where the owner has both direct or indirect ownership and exclusive control.  In some cases, a Homeowner’s Association may be able to require the owner to adhere to certain guidelines, such as professional installation and proper screening.  Furthermore, regulations may exist on satellite dishes in historical districts.

In regards to rental property, FCC guidelines permit a leaseholder to install a dish less than one meter in diameter on areas that are under exclusive use of the tenant.  Prior consent from the landlord is not required if the leaseholder intends to install the dish on an area where they have exclusive control (i.e. a patio or balcony).

Are there any requirements that need to be met in order to have a satellite dish?

While there are certain requirements under federal law regarding dish size and safety of the installation, the only true requirement is that the consumer must have a line-of-sight to the southern hemisphere.  The reason for that is because the satellite constellations that make satellite television and broadband a reality are located roughly 23,000 miles above the equator, so for most consumers in North America it requires the ability to see in that direction.  Any reputable satellite installer can quickly tell you if you’re capable of receiving satellite service.  For the nearest satellite retailer, you can visit www.satelliteretailers.com.

Is a separate dish needed for every television in the residence? Do you need a separate dish for satellite television and satellite broadband?

Absolutely not.  In fact, you can run as many televisions as you would like.  If you want to watch separate programming simultaneously, you will need a satellite dish that features a dual low-noise blocker (LNB), and a set-top receiver for each television set.  If you plan to run more than two television sets in your home, you may need to incorporate a signal splitter into the system as well.  A qualified retailer can easily do this installation for you.

Is satellite more costly than cable?

Satellite television offers different tiers of programming that are priced the same anywhere in the country.  Cable rates differ widely from market to market.  If you compare the number of channels available on satellite television (even in the basic tiers) to the number of channels offered by cable (even digital cable), satellite is clearly the better buy.  Cable will argue that you have to purchase equipment with satellite, however, both DIRECTV and DISH Network offer deals that provide low-cost and sometimes even free equipment and installation.  In addition, both offer leasing arrangements (see next question).  Furthermore, with cable, even digital cable, you pay a monthly rental fee for the set-top box that receives your signal.  Over a short period of time, the purchase of a satellite system pays for itself.

Are there any requirements that need to be met in order to have a satellite dish?

The primary requirement for satellite installation is a direct line-of-sight to the southern sky.  Provided there is a clear view of the southern sky, a satellite dish can be affixed almost anywhere – home, balcony, porch, boat, RV, truck.

Does a satellite-delivered picture ever fade or disappear?

If the satellite dish’s line-of-sight becomes obstructed by inclement weather or an object, the picture may disappear momentarily.    Unlike cable, with outages that can last for hours or even days, a satellite signal is generally restored in a matter of seconds or minutes.

Why is satellite the ideal medium for interactive television (ITV) applications?

Satellite television is the ideal medium for delivery of ITV for the following reasons:

A satellite signal can be delivered anywhere, whereas cable is limited in its reach.  Satellite can bring interactivity to those living in rural or suburban areas where cable is often not available.

ITV applications operate most efficiently with a digital signal and satellite always delivers a 100 percent, crystal-clear digital audio and video signal.  Cable has begun to roll-out digital cable, but it currently has limited availability.   Furthermore, the quality of a digital signal delivered through cable can be degraded to a certain extent.  The quality of a digital signal beamed from a satellite to a dish is not subject to degradation and therefore, is a superior quality signal.

Satellite television providers are already beginning to incorporate ITV applications into their products and hardware, whereas current cable ITV applications must typically be added-on to the initial cable system.

How can I find a satellite retailer in my area?

The SBCA maintains a Web site entitled, www.satelliteretailers.com that can be accessed directly, or through the main page of this site.  On the site, you can locate retailers in your area by entering your zip code and launching a search.  In addition, you can search by company name, or by the name of an individual retailer.

Does the satellite industry have a standards and testing program for installers?

The SBCA and satellite industry leaders including DigiVision, DIRECTV, DSI Systems, EchoStar Communications Corporation (DISH Network), and the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC),  have joined together to develop the SBCA National Standards and Testing Program, providing an industry-endorsed benchmark of knowledge for the installation of satellite products and services.

The Program aims to increase the number of professional satellite dish installers, thereby improving service to consumers and increasing business for satellite retailers.  On a larger scale, its impact will benefit the entire industry--from installers to programmers--as consumer confidence heightens.

In addition, satellite services are expanding beyond “small dish” installation.  With the emergence of new satellite applications such as interactive television and high-speed, two-way Internet access, it is critical that installers receive the necessary training to properly complete more complex installations.

What does broadband mean?

Broadband is the high-speed transmission of data, voice, and video signals over one medium.  Broadband can include high-speed Internet services that can be delivered to offices, homes, and businesses.

Can I receive broadband via satellite?

Yes.  The following satellite companies provide Internet broadband via satellite:  DIRECTV, DISH Network, WILDBLUE.  Also, look for several satellite companies to offer high-speed Internet via satellite in 2002 using the Ka-band, which should allow for even higher speeds.

Are satellite television and broadband services primarily for rural areas?

Actually, because of satellite’s ubiquitous national footprint, it can serve any area as long as the household or business has a line of sight to the satellites.  Unlike cable and DSL, we are not limited in our ability to serve any geographical location.  Although rural America served as the core area of early satellite adapters, recent survey information shows that 70% of new satellite television subscribers come from areas where cable is available, which indicates that satellite is increasing its suburban and urban penetration.  With respect to satellite broadband, the need for true broadband access is going to be increasingly important regardless of where you live.