June 2007 | Small Business News
FCC Orders Satellite TV Firms to
Provide Service Parity to Hawaii
by Christine Hirasa
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs
After more than 10 years of advocating for increased direct broadcast satellite service ("DBS"), the State of Hawaii applauds a recent order issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding satellite television service.
The order (FCC 07-76) holds that the FCC is "committed to establishing policies and rules that will promote service to all regions in the United States, particularly to traditionally underserved areas, such as Alaska and Hawaii." As a result, Hawaii residents should experience an improved level of satellite television services.
According to Clyde Sonobe, administrator for the state's Cable Television Division, the state has been underserved by DBS vendors for many years. "Hawaii consumers are entitled to the same DBS services that are available on the mainland," said Sonobe. "This order reiterates the FCC's commitment to that principle and requires that any technology advances take into account Hawaii's needs."
DirecTV and DishNetwork are two DBS providers operating nationwide. According to Sonobe, DirecTV and, to a lesser extent, DishNetwork, do not currently provide equivalent service in Hawai‘i.
FCC Commissioner Robert M. McDowell added that "I am particularly pleased that our new rules require operators to construct each satellite to accommodate the provision of service to Alaska and Hawaii in the event the satellite reaches, or is moved to, an orbital location that would provide this coverage."
"We are extremely pleased with this order," said Sonobe. "It demonstrates the FCC's continued appreciation for Hawaii's unique situation and recognizes the state's efforts in advocating for equivalent DBS services as available on the mainland. We fully expect the DBS vendors to comply with the FCC's orders and will continue our efforts to ensure that they do".
For more information on DBS service in Hawaii, contact DCCA's Cable Television Division at 586-2620.
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