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Abelson said, "The Commission can be proud of the International
Bureau's accomplishments over its ten-year history. I am particularly
proud of the bureau's fulfillment of its mission to connect the
globe for the good of US consumers."
Over the Bureau's ten-year history, consumers of satellite and
international communications services have benefited from Commission
and Bureau actions that have fostered competition and the provision
of new and innovative services. Landmarks since the Bureau's inception
in 1994 include:
-The international satellite system is in private hands and the
number of providers (both domestic and foreign) offering service
to the US has grown.
- The number of satellite television subscribers in the US has
grown from 2.8 million to 23.1 million.
- Satellite radio services were launched and now have 2.58 million
subscribers.
A la carte pricing will not reduce television bill in the US:
Meanwhile The media bureau of the FCC has released its report
on the efficacy of 'a la carte' pricing in the pay-television service
industry in the US.
The report found that although an a la carte option would allow
consumers to pay for only the programming they choose, given current
viewing practices, few consumers would experience lower bills for
multi-channel programming. The report also includes several policy
recommendations that the Congress and Commission should consider
to enhance consumer choice, foster competition and provide consumers
with the tools to prevent objectionable programming from entering
their home.
The report estimates that the impact on retail rates of pure or
mandatory a la carte sales indicates that only those consumers who
would purchase fewer than nine programming networks may see a reduction
in their monthly cable bill. Consumers who purchase at least nine
networks will likely face an increase in their monthly bills.
The average cable household in the US watches approximately 17
channels, including broadcast stations. If the average household
purchased each of these channels under an a la carte regime, it
would likely face a monthly rate increase under a la carte sales
of between 14 and 30 per cent.
FCC chairman Michael Powell said, "We remain committed to
our long-standing policy goals of making communications and media
technologies available to all Americans at affordable rates and
fostering diversity in our nation's media. Many Americans are frustrated
with year after year increases in their pay-television bills and
we will continue to address those concerns through the recommendations
provided in this report and other avenues available to the Commission."
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