SBCA Hosts OTARD Ten Year Anniversary Celebration

Washington, D.C., October 25, 2006 -- The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) hosted a reception for the Ten Year Anniversary Celebration of the Over-the-Air Reception Devices (OTARD) Rule in Washington, DC on October 25, 2006. 

The OTARD Rule has been crucial in protecting the customer’s right to have satellite television.  During the past 10 years satellite television has been responsible for over 35 million installs nationwide and currently represents roughly one-third of the multi-channel service market.

The SBCA also recognized those individuals who played a significant role in the creation of the OTARD Rule, including Congressman John Dingell (MI), Congressman Rick Boucher (VA), Congressman Ed Markey (MA) and Retired Congressman Billy Tauzin (LA), as well as Eloise Gore and Rosalee Chiara, both from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and Buddy Davis, owner of Davis Antenna and who was an early advocate of satellite television.

“We were excited to host this event and to recognize the contributions of everyone who helped make the OTARD Rule possible,” said Patricia Sumler, Executive Director of the SBCA.  “The OTARD Rule plays an instrumental role in helping protect the consumer’s right to have options for television and these people helped to ensure the passage of this vital legislation.”

The FCC officially implemented the OTARD Rule on October 16, 1996 and garnered authority for the Rule via Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association 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. Additional information can be found at www.sbca.com.