Re: Unbelievable. DBS wants a free-ride on the HFC pipe too??
Sector and Thread- I picked this off the Gemstar thread. Keep in mind I could not find the source of the article. If it's accurate, DBS player EchoStar appears to be throwing in the towel on it's two-way Internet plans.
What I found astounding, is EchoStar's admittance that the HFC pipe is the only feasible broadband two-way pipe into the home. It's almost written as if they are doing a commercial touting the benefits of the HFC pipe for the investment community.
Keep in mind, if this is indeed an accurate portrayal of the EchoStar filing with the FCC, it was intended to serve as yet another player(beyond the ISP) that wants to take a free ride on the cableco's pipes. This is getting ridiculous.
Where were all these cry babies when Armstrong was spending $100 billion(!) to get those pipes and another $20 to $40 billion upgrading them to two-way HFC?
Now I wouldn't be shocked if it'll be the telcos soon wanting to claim they need a free data, or maybe TV, ride on the cablecos HFC pipes too. -MikeM(From Florida)
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EchoStar Fears Cable's Broadband Edge
Washington 12/4/00-- In statements likely to disappoint investors, EchoStar Communications Corp. said it may not be technically equipped to compete with cable's two-way broadband Internet-access service.
EchoStar, the No. 2 direct-broadcast satellite provider, said the introduction by DBS of two-way Internet access is probably no match for cable's high-speed Internet service bundled with digital-video and, in some cases, local phone service.
In comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission Dec. 1, EchoStar said one-way Internet access by DBS "simply cannot compete" against cable and its recently launched two-way service "is relatively cumbersome to consumers."
EchoStar is a partner in StarBand Communications Inc., which offers two-way high-speed Internet access and 150 video channels for the combined monthly price of $99. The service -- which does not rely on EchoStar's satellites for data transmission -- requires consumers to obtain new, larger dishes to receive both data and video.
"Cable operators control the only truly broadband conduit to and from the home," EchoStar said. "DBS companies are technically disadvantaged in offering truly interactive products."
While not explicitly calling on the FCC to require access to cable Internet facilities, EchoStar said cable likely had enough power in the video-distribution market to justify "subjecting cable-modem platforms to open-access requirements."
Given its own bandwidth constraints, EchoStar said it "needs such access[give me a break] to compete on a more even footing with the video/broadband bundles increasingly being offered by cable operators." On that basis, access to cable facilities should be open not only to Internet-service providers, but also to DBS carriers.
EchoStar said the FCC should not considering imposing access mandates on DBS because satellite providers neither control essential facilities nor possess market power akin to cable's. |
