Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : Primestar/TCI Satellite (TSATA) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: JDCFA who wrote (98)	10/2/1998 9:09:00 AM
From: Goodboy	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 442

Yes Primestar has churn. But when a sub cancels service, they don't leave the dish and box with the sub. They take it back. They also don't throw it on a shelf never to be used again, they will re-install it at another sub. Even when Primestar launches their high power service, they will be far less vulnerable to the solar cycle peak than Direct TV, who I can almost guarantee will lose a vital bird within 12 months or within 2. The vast majority of Primestar subs will still be on GE 2 going into 2000. I believe they have GE-2 until 2002 or 2003. That will be the drop dead date for all Primestar subs to switch to high power. Every time a C-band sub swithes, the value of the sub goes from $400 area to the $1,500 area or better. It is ironic to say this, but I feel in the end that this delay in the launch of high power may work to Primestars benefit by next year.

To: JDCFA who wrote (98)	10/2/1998 11:40:00 PM
From: Noel	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 442

Just a quick note to correct you on the DISH offer. The DISH offer does not require a $600 up front payment. The customer must agree to subscribe to a package including the America's Top 100 (AT60 + DISH CD) and two premium channels of their choice. The customer may choose to self install, so their hardware cost can certainly be as little as $249. After they make their first payment of $48.98 (28.99 +19.99 for 2 premiums), they will receive a $249 rebate check. In fact, if a customer buys DISH now, their $249 rebate check will come before Christmas. BTW, could you elaborate on the anti-churn measures that Primestar has taken. Over the summer, they were experiencing a costly double-digit churn rate. What did they do to correct it and what is their current churn? Regards, NOEL

To: JDCFA who wrote (98)	10/8/1998 10:14:00 AM
From: Noel	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 442

JDCFA: It would seem like people were less than forthcoming with you during your recent visit to Englewood. Their "double digit increase in phone calls" that they told you about didn't translate to September sales: ****************************************** DISH And DirecTV Report Solid September, PrimeStar Has Disappointing Month EchoStar's DISH Network and DirecTV reported that September was another solid month for subscriber additions. PrimeStar, however reported another disappointing month. DirecTV added 121,000 new subscribers in September. That takes the DSS provider 4.058 million. DISH added 81,000, taking its total to 1.609 million. PrimeStar reported a gain of 10,002 subscribers for the month. That takes its total to 2.166 million. ****************************************** Lets see: Stock values are depressed, investors expecting a merger are fleeing on no news, sub acquisition is behind target levels, management has lost focus, the product lacks a good offer in the marketplace and a deal with Murdoch just doesn't come together... sounds like DISH in the first half of '97... You've just been RUPERTed! NOEL