SATELLITE INDUSTRY APPLAUDS SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE ACTION ON S. 303

-- Industry Supports Consumer-Friendly Decision to Extend Review Period of Network Signal Issue through End of Year --

ALEXANDRIA, VA, MARCH 10, 1999 – The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) today applauded the decision by the Senate Commerce Committee to pass S. 303, which affects satellite delivery of distant network signals, and send it to the full Senate for action.

"The satellite industry views committee passage of this bill as a very positive step," noted SBCA President Chuck Hewitt. "We applaud the leadership of Senators McCain and Burns in guiding the committee’s focus onto the American consumer and for acting so swiftly to protect satellite consumers’ access to network signals. The second step to a permanent solution to this problem must still be addressed – as raised today by Senator Bryan, Congress must direct the FCC to determine a 21st century television signal reception standard and a methodology for identifying consumers not served by that signal. Only then will we guarantee all Americans access to network signals."

The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association of America (SBCA) is the national trade organization representing all segments of the home satellite industry. It is committed to expanding the utilization of satellite technology for the broadcast delivery of entertainment, news, information and educational programming. The SBCA is composed of DBS service providers, programmers, equipment manufacturers, distributors, retailers, encryption vendors, and national and regional distribution companies.