Nick
02-06-07, 07:51 AM
Homeowner's associations across the nation are known for giving residents trouble for everything from the lack of a neatly manicured lawn to cars parked in the driveway. If those hassles aren't enough, the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) released data Monday that suggests these community associations and rental properties continue to be a significant obstacle to consumers wishing to lawfully install a satellite TV dish.
In April 2006, SBCA started tracking all OTARD (over-the-air reception devices) claims to determine which issues are most problematic for homeowners and installers. The heavy hand of community associations were most troublesome with 60 percent of claims, followed by rental properties at 34 percent, the association said.
OTARD rules were developed at the Federal Communications Commission in 1996, and they prevent homeowner's associations and others from prohibiting or restricting the use of DBS dishes or any outdoor antenna.
"These numbers reflect the SBCA's commitment to working at the ground level to solve OTARD issues," said Noah Cuttler, director of regulatory affairs at SBCA. "What is most telling is the number of claims involving community associations and rental properties. It's 10 years after the creation of the OTARD rule and we are still having problems."
The SBCA said it plans to use its research for the development of an OTARD rule manual. The manual will be accessible to consumers and satellite technicians.
The SBCA also encouraged anyone who believes their OTARD rights are violated to submit a claim at http://www.sbca.com/otard.
www.SkyReport.com - used with permission
In April 2006, SBCA started tracking all OTARD (over-the-air reception devices) claims to determine which issues are most problematic for homeowners and installers. The heavy hand of community associations were most troublesome with 60 percent of claims, followed by rental properties at 34 percent, the association said.
OTARD rules were developed at the Federal Communications Commission in 1996, and they prevent homeowner's associations and others from prohibiting or restricting the use of DBS dishes or any outdoor antenna.
"These numbers reflect the SBCA's commitment to working at the ground level to solve OTARD issues," said Noah Cuttler, director of regulatory affairs at SBCA. "What is most telling is the number of claims involving community associations and rental properties. It's 10 years after the creation of the OTARD rule and we are still having problems."
The SBCA said it plans to use its research for the development of an OTARD rule manual. The manual will be accessible to consumers and satellite technicians.
The SBCA also encouraged anyone who believes their OTARD rights are violated to submit a claim at http://www.sbca.com/otard.
www.SkyReport.com - used with permission