11-06-01, 07:43 AM
Northpoint Approaches FCC on DBS Merger
Northpoint Technology, the Washington, D.C.,-based company that wants DBS spectrum on a shared basis for its controversial wireless technology, is working the Federal Communications Commission about the proposed EchoStar/DirecTV merger.
Last week, attorneys for Northpoint contacted Ken Ferree, chief of the FCC's Cable Services Bureau, about the $25.8 billion merger and Northpoint's effort to acquire licenses for its wireless technology, according to a filing at the commission.
In the FCC filing, Northpoint's attorneys said the company's ability to offer video programming and broadband access via its wireless offering "is particularly important in light of the planned merger between DBS operators DirecTV and EchoStar, which will reduce the service options available - especially to consumers in rural areas."
The filing also touched on the spectrum auction issue. Northpoint reiterated its stand that a competitive bidding process "would cause unnecessary and harmful delay in providing service."
Satellite interests have been vigorously fighting Northpoint and the wireless spectrum-sharing effort at the FCC. They are concerned wireless technology that shares DBS spectrum will interfere with satellite signals.
Reposted from SkyReport with Permission
Northpoint Technology, the Washington, D.C.,-based company that wants DBS spectrum on a shared basis for its controversial wireless technology, is working the Federal Communications Commission about the proposed EchoStar/DirecTV merger.
Last week, attorneys for Northpoint contacted Ken Ferree, chief of the FCC's Cable Services Bureau, about the $25.8 billion merger and Northpoint's effort to acquire licenses for its wireless technology, according to a filing at the commission.
In the FCC filing, Northpoint's attorneys said the company's ability to offer video programming and broadband access via its wireless offering "is particularly important in light of the planned merger between DBS operators DirecTV and EchoStar, which will reduce the service options available - especially to consumers in rural areas."
The filing also touched on the spectrum auction issue. Northpoint reiterated its stand that a competitive bidding process "would cause unnecessary and harmful delay in providing service."
Satellite interests have been vigorously fighting Northpoint and the wireless spectrum-sharing effort at the FCC. They are concerned wireless technology that shares DBS spectrum will interfere with satellite signals.
Reposted from SkyReport with Permission