I think the cost of installation is on par with any other high speed option. Look at satalite TV? Even a phone costs about $50 to install and that doesn't include wiring in the house.
Yes, currently the FCC has tied PCTV's method of delivery, MMDS, to only 1 way digital. This was a big improvement over one way analog. There are trials of 2 way digital and I'm not really sure why they have been held back. I have a feeling it's because this is a catagory killer and the FCC is frankly covering for other heavily capital intensive players.
The go ahead on digital vs analog has been holding PCTV back. They had not been signing new customers until they got past this point. As far as why they weren't delisted, they basically have a lot of cash and they won't make a profit for a long time until they get past their capital outlays. This could be said for a lot of companies; AOL, cellular phone services, etc.
So, will they be delisted this time? I don't know. I think the issue is does the technology work. MMDS is a wireless spectrum which is regulated by the FCC. There was a trial of another bandwidth called LMDS. It is also only liscensed on a one way digital basis with like MMDS. They seemed to have passed the test and the FCC is going to sell new liscenses.
I just don't know which one is better. If the FCC favors one over the other, then that will prove the tail. Should they give LMDS 2 way approval and not MMDS, then the PCTV franchise would be worth a lot less.
So, should the market become clear that MMDS is a viable medium, then I see no reason why PCTV doesn't have the market and money to do well. The quality of management is always an issue and I don't know anything about how good or bad they are. Mostly, I've been very frustrated by the slowness of the FCC to approve or disprove the technology. That stinks and it's hurt PCTV.
Anyway, they now have internet service in Detroit and Phoenix and I believe Chicago is starting. It all sounds very promising if it works.
Regards,
Mark |
