03-22-02, 03:59 AM
Northpoint Technology, the controversial Washington, D.C.,-based company that wants to use DBS spectrum on a shared basis for its proposed wireless technology, now wants to enter the satellite TV business.
The company said Thursday that it filed an application at the Federal Communications Commission to construct two DBS satellites that will operate as part of an integrated satellite/terrestrial system. The system, which Northpoint has coined "Compass," will deliver uniform national programming through the satellite portion and local channels and high-speed Internet access through local terrestrial transmissions.
Northpoint's rather-bold move was detailed in a press release the company sent out Thursday afternoon. As of press time, the actual FCC filing wasn't available. But the effort comes as the company awaits a decision from the FCC on its spectrum-sharing proposal.
"The FCC has been considering our terrestrial applications for a long time, and we are hopeful that the FCC will grant our licenses so that we can immediately begin to build out our system nationwide," said Northpoint Technology President Sophia Collier.
Some speculated that the move will allow Northpoint Technology to avoid auctions for the spectrum it wants for its service. And rumors have suggested that the FCC may require that the shared spectrum, known as Multichannel Video and Data Distribution Service (MVDDS), be put up for competitive bidding.
The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association said it hasn't yet reviewed Northpoint's filing. "Obviously, the FCC should not make any decision regarding spectrum sharing in the DBS band until all parties involved have had an opportunity to review and respond to this most recent filing, said SBCA President Andy Wright.
"As we have said from the outset, we are not against competition - we are against interference," Wright said. "If, in spite of the proven interference to DBS customers, the commission chooses to move forward with the creation of a new terrestrial wireless service in the DBS spectrum, there is no reason for the commission to deviate from the legally required auction process."
From <a href="http://www.skyreport.com" target=none>SkyReport</A> (Used with permission)
The company said Thursday that it filed an application at the Federal Communications Commission to construct two DBS satellites that will operate as part of an integrated satellite/terrestrial system. The system, which Northpoint has coined "Compass," will deliver uniform national programming through the satellite portion and local channels and high-speed Internet access through local terrestrial transmissions.
Northpoint's rather-bold move was detailed in a press release the company sent out Thursday afternoon. As of press time, the actual FCC filing wasn't available. But the effort comes as the company awaits a decision from the FCC on its spectrum-sharing proposal.
"The FCC has been considering our terrestrial applications for a long time, and we are hopeful that the FCC will grant our licenses so that we can immediately begin to build out our system nationwide," said Northpoint Technology President Sophia Collier.
Some speculated that the move will allow Northpoint Technology to avoid auctions for the spectrum it wants for its service. And rumors have suggested that the FCC may require that the shared spectrum, known as Multichannel Video and Data Distribution Service (MVDDS), be put up for competitive bidding.
The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association said it hasn't yet reviewed Northpoint's filing. "Obviously, the FCC should not make any decision regarding spectrum sharing in the DBS band until all parties involved have had an opportunity to review and respond to this most recent filing, said SBCA President Andy Wright.
"As we have said from the outset, we are not against competition - we are against interference," Wright said. "If, in spite of the proven interference to DBS customers, the commission chooses to move forward with the creation of a new terrestrial wireless service in the DBS spectrum, there is no reason for the commission to deviate from the legally required auction process."
From <a href="http://www.skyreport.com" target=none>SkyReport</A> (Used with permission)