Direct Broadcast Satellite Information

The Following documents will provide you with an understanding of DBS and the public interest issues at stake:

• Filing with the FCC Opposing Merger of EchoStar and DBSC: CPT filed with the FCC in opposition to the merger of EchoStar and DBSC because the predatory frequency acquisition practices of EchoStar is relegating the DBS sector to a 3 competitor model. The 3 provider model is not in the public interest because in addition to limiting the number of potential media outlets and reducing the diversity of programming content, it is not a truely competitive arrangement which leads to higher prices paid by consumers. The FCC has thus far been content to allow the DBS sector to develop in the interest of a few corporations with the public interest not so much as an afterthought. CPT is hoping to change that by representing the public interest before the FCC.

• Letter to FCC Chairman Reed Hundt: In this letter--from CPT, the Center for Media Education, and the Consumer Federation of America--we urge the Commissioner of the FCC to prohibit EchoStar, a large player in the DBS arena, from obtaining through a merger yet additional scarce DBS resources. EchoStar, if current applications before the FCC are granted, will control 23% of all full-CONUS frequencies and 43% of all partial-CONUS frequencies.

• Letter to Chief of the Telecommunications Task Force Antitrust Division Donald J. Russell:

• Letter to FCC, Chief of the International Division Donald Gips:

• TCI's Involvement in DBS:

• Letter to Scott Blake Harris, Chief of the International Bureau at he FCC:

• Letter to FCC Secretary William Caton:

• Letter to The Honorable Trent Lott, Senate Majority Leader: