Sales and mktg. business development company Sales in Action (SiA) has been started by former Codemasters N. American Sales Vp Howard Horowitz. SiA said its goal was “to assist consumer electronic and game publishing companies in the North American market” sell and market their products to retailers. Horowitz said: “Given the predicted and past growth of the North American interactive entertainment market -- probably somewhere around $18 billion by 2004 for combined console and PC software sales -- foreign publishers, developers and distributors could add 40% to their gross revenue by getting in this market.” SiA said it could “reduce costs by outsourcing and shortening the time it takes to put together an effective sales, marketing and logistics plan and team,” adding that “outsourcing these functions allows companies to focus on their core competencies -- product development.” New company said it was composed of “entertainment industry veterans with over 15 years’ experience.”
Wireless carriers, equipment manufacturers and several incumbents that may have to be relocated to make way for 3G largely agreed with govt. effort to examine 1710-1770 MHz and 2110-2170 for advanced wireless services. But in comment period that closed this week at FCC, diverse group of stakeholders in 3G proceeding differed on details. Importance of global harmonization for 3G services and adequate replacement spectrum for incumbents that may be moved to make way for advanced wireless services were among themes running throughout feedback received by FCC. CTIA reiterated that as much as possible of bands allocated for mobile satellite service (MSS) should be reallocated for services “with more clearly demonstrated needs.” Comments marked latest round in positioning on 3G spectrum among MSS providers, MMDS licensees, wireless carriers and others at FCC. Latest 3G feedback also was first that FCC had received since govt. released new plan for advanced spectrum earlier this month that would take bulk of 1755-1850 MHz band occupied by Defense Dept. off table for now. Among concerns raised by incumbents was filing by New ICO that cautioned that reallocation of 2 GHz MSS spectrum for 3G would “represent an arbitrary, unprecedented departure from a reasonable allocation policy that has been under development for almost a decade.”
Satellites offer best hope of eliminating Digital Divide between “information rich and “information poor” in delivery of broadband services to rural U.S., Satellite Industry Assn. (SIA) said in reply comments on proposed rulemaking on issue. Commission seeks comment on best way to provide advanced broadband telecom services throughout U.S. and remove barriers to receiving service. Letter signed by Exec. Dir. Richard Dalbello challenged ability of terrestrial wireline and terrestrial wireless companies to provide service.
FCC released long-awaited order that added mobile allocation to 2500-2690 MHz band and spared MMDS and Instructional TV Fixed Service (ITFS) licensees from relocation threat posed by 3G. Item was voted on Sept. 6 before departure of Comr. Gloria Tristani, but not released until Mon. Report and order added mobile allocation “to provide additional near-term and long-term flexibility for use of this spectrum, thereby making this band potentially available for advanced mobile and fixed terrestrial wireless services,” FCC said. Chmn. Powell and Comrs. Abernathy and Martin voted for item, with Tristani and Comr. Copps dissenting on mobile flexibility language. Order acknowledged technical difficulties of sharing between fixed and mobile services in band now, but said upcoming service rules would address interference issues. In joint statement, Tristani and Copps raised strong objections to extent that addition of mobile allocation to band could pose harm to incumbent MMDS and ITFS users. “It is a rush to judgment that is not supported by evidence in this record,” they wrote. Meanwhile, CTIA expressed dismay that 2.5 GHz spectrum was taken out of running for 3G at time when spectrum capacity questions still loomed.
“It is reasonable to anticipate that deletions, some additions and some clarifications are likely,” Defense Dept. official said last week when asked about recent Pentagon move to speed up review process of items on U.S. munitions list. Many U.S. satellite components that have run into tough export rules are on list and move to have them omitted would ease restrictions, analyst said. State Dept. makes final determination, although DoD coordination is required for removals, official said. Spokesman said Sept. 12 State hadn’t received recommendation from DoD, but did confirm that any satellite component removed from list no longer would be under jurisdiction of State: “If [satellite component] is not on the munitions list, then State is not responsible for licensing it.”
Satellite industry would be “very concerned by any changes” at FCC affecting satellite regulation, Satellite Industry Assn. (SIA) and Satellite Bcstg. & Communications Assn. said in July 30 letter sent to FCC before it became public knowledge that Commission was seeking to consolidate Mass Media and Cable bureaus and to add some satellite functions from International Bureau (IB)(CD Aug 29 p1). SIA and SBCA had been quiet about proposed changes until they released letter Fri. following Communications Daily request for response. Under current structure, satellite concerns are handled primarily by International Bureau, which is headed by Don Abelson. Letter was signed by SIA Exec. Dir. Richard DalBello and former SBCA Senior Vp Andrew Paul. Commission officials were closemouthed on proposed changes and future of Abelson, who is “very popular among satellite operators,” industry source told us: “He really understands our issues.” Satellite industry “worked hard” with Commission to create IB, letter said.
Satellite industry and FCC lack minority ownership plan for satellites specifically geared for women and African-Americans, after years of developing diversity programs in other areas of broadcasting and communications, minority officials said. Topic isn’t widely discussed, industry leaders admitted: Focus has been more on recruiting, training and encouraging minorities to apply for industry jobs that require highly technical skills in engineering, science, aerospace.
Overcapacity is launch market’s greatest challenge, Arianespace U.S.’s recently named Pres. Clayton Mowry said. Former SIA exec. dir. said added flexibility and increased performance would be key to success of any company in commercial launch market, with several vying for estimated 20 to 30 heavy class launches per year. “There is new capacity being brought to the market,” Mowry said. “In terms of price and service and capability it’s going to get more competitive.” As result, Arianespace is working to complete 3 new upper stages, 2 of which use cryogenic (mixture of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen) propulsion.
Satellite Industry Assn. (SIA) Exec. Dir. Richard DalBello praised FCC authorizations of 2nd round licenses for Ka-band service (CD Aug 6 p4). He said Commission “action underscores the increasingly critical role that satellite services play in delivering competitive broadband services” to U.S., and would ensure competition in broadband marketplace and “rapid diffusion of advanced communication technologies” to residential and business consumers. DalBello also said SIA was “extremely pleased” House International Relations Committee had voted to return jurisdiction over commercial satellites to Dept. of Commerce from State Dept.
Charles Hewitt is expected to announce his resignation as Satellite Bcstg. & Communications Assn. (SBCA) pres. at 2001 Convention & Trade Show in Nashville next week, industry sources said Wed. Speculation about possible resignation of Hewitt and Senior Vp Andrew Paul was rampant on Internet and throughout industry on Tues., and while SBCA had no comment, it issued news release announcing news conference for Aug. 2 at which Hewitt, Paul and Vp Govt. Affairs-Gen. Counsel Andrew Wright and SBCA Chmn. Stan Kozlowski were expected to discuss “directives initiated during the board meeting.” Some sources said Wright was likely candidate to replace Hewitt. Hewitt, Wright and Paul weren’t available for comment. DirecTV spokesman seemed to confirm resignation with statement Tues.: “Chuck will be missed. He did a tremendous job in leading the organization through a time of tremendous change and growth. We are grateful to Chuck and Andy Paul for their dedication to this industry.” Hewitt is scheduled to deliver one of keynote addresses at convention. His departure would mean top 2 lobbying groups for satellite industry would have new leaders. Two weeks ago, Clayton Mowry resigned as pres. of Satellite Industry Assn. (SIA) to become CEO of Washington operation of Arianespace. Change in leadership comes at time when satellite industry faces several critical issues, including constitutionality of must-carry, consolidation of DBS market, terrestrial use of satellite spectrum.