FCC OKs Use of Canadian DBS Sats in U.S.

[Steve Mehs]

Is more small dish competition coming for U.S. consumers?

Late last week, the Federal Communications Commission authorized Pennsylvania-based Digital Broadband Applications Corp. to provide two-way broadband and video service to the United States using capacity on Canada's Nimiq and Nimiq 2 DBS satellites and U.S. satellite Galaxy XI.

"This decision should stimulate competition in the U.S. DBS and FSS markets, providing consumers more alternatives in choosing communications and subscription video providers and services," the FCC's International Bureau said in its order. "Increased competition may also lead to reduced prices for those services and further technological innovation."

In the order, the FCC said the company's use of the Nimiq and Nimiq 2 satellites is consistent with its policies regarding U.S. access to space stations licensed by foreign governments.

Not much is known about Digital Broadband Applications Corp. The company, founded in 1992, describes itself as a private entity with specialties in broadband, wireless and interactive technologies.

The Nimiq satellites are operated by Ottawa-based Telesat Canada, and are used by Bell ExpressVu for its small dish service serving Canada. Bell ExpressVu is Canada's biggest satellite TV operator, with more than 1.3 million customers.

From SkyReport (http://www.skyreport.com) (Used with Permission)

[Mr. DBS]

This story is a bit misleading . It does NOT allow Expressvu subscriptions in the US.

It allows D.B.A. to rent NIMIQ dbs transponders and it allows them to run a H.I.T.S. like service utilizing only channels authorized for US broadcast

[JohnH]

They don't list much on their website.

http://www.dbac.com/

[Ontarian]

Even if the U.S. government allowed Expressvu to operate in the U.S., their still would be an enormous problem with program rights issues that would still keep it out. Their would be lawsuits galore if Expressvu tried to sell into the U.S., and the lawsuits would be coming from U.S. Media companies.

[xcableguy]

I think that it would be cool to get ExressVu legally here in the states

[mnassour]

All right....someone tell me what law makes it a crime to view paid programming from Nimiq 1 or 2 here in the United States.

Indeed, under Canadian regulations BEV is not supposed to sell it here...and should terminate the account of any receiver found to be in the U.S. Yes, the program providers do not have the authority under copyright to distribute those programs here.

But where in U.S. law is it a crime for someone to watch?

[Ryan]

The nimiq satellites were developed with the intention of providing services, such as private broadcast, data networking, etc to the US. That's why the footprints provide a strong signal to almost the entire CONUS.

There is no intention to provide broadcast services to US households.

Is there any law, treaty or other limiting factor that would prevent satellite internet services to the US from a Canadian company?

[Sat Guy]

Originally posted by Ryan
.

Is there any law, treaty or other limiting factor that would prevent satellite internet services to the US from a Canadian company?

No as a matter of fact, the FCC licence for all of Telesat's Anik C/Ku/Ka satellites allows for any type of service except DBS/DTH.

WildBlue will be using Anik F2 ka for 2 way internet starting sometime in 2004.