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1999 Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association Show READ ALL ABOUT IT! PAGE 3 MDU Kick-off Highlights Small Properties Private cable operators should exploit the untapped market of small apartment complexes, Ventana Property Services Chief Operating Officer John H. Pringle said yesterday at a multiple-dwelling unit seminar. Small apartment complexes and other MDUs with 200 units or less represent “the biggest opportunity for everybody in this room,” he said. Franchise cable operators have left the market open to competition because they did not see enough profit in signing the small properties to perpetual, exclusive contracts, Pringle said. But teaming with a DBS service can make the price right for both the landlords of such properties and private cable operators, he said. Independent Cable and Telecommunications Association Executive Director William Burhop also spoke, urging private cable hands to lobby the Federal Communications Commission to further open the MDU market to competition, but still protect limited-term exclusive contracts between private cable operators and landlords. Several such proceedings are pending at the commission. Internet Can Be MDU’s “Killer Ap” Bringing broadband Internet services to multiple-dwelling units can provide private cable operators increased revenue with little overhead cost, several panelists said yesterday during panel discussions. Private cable operators also can benefit from the transition to high-definition TV and high-speed Internet, WSNet Vice President of Operations Bill Anderton said, because they can roll the services out faster than large cable companies. Private cable operators should expect about 1 percent penetration for Internet services each month, Anderton said, if building owners do not help promote the service. With the help of building owners, that number could increase to 5 percent, he added. Satellite services, such as DirecPC, are ideal for MDU broadband Internet access because they have relatively low equipment costs and can use existing wiring in apartment buildings, DirecPC’s John Alfano said. TURN THE PAGE OTHER ISSUES TO LOOK FOR: Monday, July 19, 1999 Tuesday, July 20, 1999   Please direct questions about this site to general.mail@satbiznews.com q 1998 Satellite Business News Inc. All rights reserved.