[19990219]98-942_卫星电视：关于消费者通过卫星访问广播网络电视的问题.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS Web98-942 STMUpdated February 19, 1999Satellite-Delivered Television: Issues ConcerningConsumer Access to Broadcast Network Televisionvia SatelliteMarcia S. SmithSpecialist in Aerospace and Telecommunications PolicyResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummaryCongress is debating whether to revise the 1988 Satellite Home Viewer Act(SHVA) to enable more consumers to receive broadcast network television via satellite.Consumer access to broadcast network TV signals provided via satellite is restricted bySHVA to households that cannot receive such signals via an over-the-air antenna andhave not subscribed to cable within 90 days. Some satellite carriers have transmittednetwork signals to consumers in violation of the Act. When challenged, the satellitecarriers cease transmission of the signals to individual consumers voluntarily or by courtorder. Numerous complaints from angry constituents over discontinued service havegenerated congressional interest. Several bills to modify SHVA were considered lastyear but none cleared Congress. Three bills have been introduced so far in the 106t