. . . Bruce Leichtman, a satellite analyst at the Yankee Group consulting firm
                                            in Boston, predicts that the number of DBS subscribers will skyrocket to 16.5
                                            million within four years if providers gain the authority to broadcast local
                                            stations. Other experts agree. 
                                                 "If local broadcast channels become available to small-dish owners, cable
                                            companies better look out," predicts Bob Drake, a principal in the
                                            Talmey-Drake research firm. "Pent-up demand for these dishes will be
                                            unleashed," especially where tall buildings, mountains and other
                                            interference makes reception of local signals impossible without cable.