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White Area Problem Angers Dealers Some satellite dealers felt the impact of the federal court's preliminary injunction against PrimeTime 24 almost immediately after it was issued, according to comments from dealers here at the show. However, others are only vaguely aware of who PrimeTime 24 is and what the court's decision will mean to them. For example, Randy Holder, of PSS Installation and Service, in Stevenson Ala., blamed the situation on cable operators. "Networks should be available on satellite, and consumers should have that choice. It isn't right to have cable using its power to deny satellite customers their network service. I would be in favor of having a satellite service continue with providing local to local service. Consumers are not getting good local service through cable." For others, the bottom line is a matter of free market enterprise. "To me, it's a bunch of bull----. If someone wants the signals, they should be able to get them," said Steve Dunlap, a dealer from Austin, Texas. "I think they're going to have a hard time disconnecting all of these people." Among those dealers who are already seeing the decision impact their business, the issue of where the problem originated is far less important than how to solve it. All Star Satellite, in Grafton, N.H., has seen several customers walk away in the last week because DirecTv, the service they wanted, has stopped selling any network superstations to any customers, regardless of whether they may or may not be eligible, All Star's Vicky Berrios said. The upside, she said, is her customers are activists. Berrios gives them the names and addresses of the area's Congressional representatives, and several have already contacted the lawmakers to urge a change in the law, she said. In other areas, however, dealers have very low expectations their customers will want to get involved in the legislative fight. When the networks are no longer available, "They'll disconnect," said Jerry Anderson, of Cable From the Sky, in Millersburg, Ohio. "It's an entertainment issue. If they can't have it, it's the dealer's fault." Many satellite dealers are also too busy trying to make a living to spend time educating consumers on the issue and drumming up support for legislation, some noted. But even though satellite dealers may be feeling the injunction's sting, some noted the large consumer electronics chains may be less impacted. Because those stores typically spend little time demonstrating the systems and explaining programming options to customers, some expect few consumers will leave without buying a system from the chains, because they may not know network signals are not available. (click on the ad below to visit advertiser's web site) PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE   July 23 daily   July 24 daily         Please direct questions about this site to general.mail@satbiznews.com q 1999 Satellite Business News Inc. All rights reserved.