FCC CHAIRMAN POWELL LAUDS SATELLITE INDUSTRY ROLE IN INCREASING COMPETITION IN TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES

ALEXANDRIA, VA, March 3, 2004 – At the Seventh Annual Satellite Leadership Dinner on Tuesday, March 2nd at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, Federal Communications Committee (FCC) Chairman Michael K. Powell encouraged industry executives to continue their role as a vital competitor in the communications marketplace.

In his remarks Chairman Powell urged industry leaders to, “continue to be a fierce competitor to cable and other communications systems” noting that, “satellite systems are a key platform in the digital migration.”  He also acknowledged that technology advances continue to enhance spectrum efficiency, and he encouraged the industry to continue to, “be imaginative with technology and spectrum; and make satellite networks more reliable, secure and interoperable.” 

Co-sponsored by the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) and the Satellite Industry Association (SIA), the dinner brought together senior industry executives and high ranking government policy makers.  Industry participation included the major satellite manufacturers, launch vehicle providers, ground equipment suppliers, service providers, as well as direct broadcast satellite (DBS), satellite radio, and satellite broadband operators, programmers, and retailers.  Government participants included Members of Congress, high-level congressional staff, Commissioners and senior staff from the FCC and senior staff from several other Executive Branch Agencies.   

Powell’s remarks also acknowledged the critical role that satellite systems play in providing  communications for rural and underserved areas of the United States, noting that,  “From ports in Alaska to ships in the Atlantic, satellite services beam up and reach down to touch us in every aspect of our lives.”  Chairman Powell further noted the important role that mobile satellite services play in, “delivering new services to people on the road, in the sky, on the water, [and] at work.”  A copy of Chairman Powell’s remarks can be found on the FCC website at www.fcc.gov

The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) is the national trade organization representing all segments of the satellite industry.  It is committed to expanding the utilization of satellite technology for the broadcast delivery of video, audio, data, music, voice, interactive and broadband services.  The SBCA is composed of DBS, C-band, broadband, satellite radio, and other satellite service providers, content providers, equipment manufacturers, distributors, retailers, encryption vendors, and national and regional distribution companies that make up the satellite services industry.  

The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) is a U.S.-based trade association representing the leading U.S. and international satellite service providers, manufacturers, launch services providers and ground equipment suppliers throughout the world.  The SIA is the unified voice of the commercial satellite industry on policy, regulatory, and legislative issues affecting the satellite community.  The SIA represents the common interests of its members to domestic and international government officials, the press, the public, and other industries.