The Telecom Future of Independent Cable

American Cable Association Member Concerns and Issues


By: Jimmy Schaeffler

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Publication length 34 pages




The study was conducted during November-December 2002 and distributed to 675 bona fide ACA members. Of those, 177 (or 26+%) responded. This represents, without question, a statistically valid sample.

The geographical spread of the data received, representing cable companies from approximately 40 different states or jurisdictions, indicates very broad participation in this study. The data received also indicated broad member support on the basis of operator size and the different numbers of households passed by the many system operators.

The purpose of the study was to gain credible data from a substantial sample of ACA members to validate and publish the results. The Carmel Group has used the data collected to present this study to the ACA. The ACA intends to use the data and the study primarily to position and enhance the key messages it delivers to various audiences and for limited internal purposes. As an example of this former usage, ACA intends to disseminate the study and data to members of the U.S. Congress and the Federal Communications Commission for the purpose of better describing ACA’s membership and in support of various ACA initiatives.

Table of Contents

  • 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
  • 4 STUDY SYNOPSIS/WORKSHEET
  • 6 METHODOLOGY
  • 7 KEY STUDY FINDINGS
  • 10 Industry and ACA Member Data
  • 10 Basic ACA and Industry Facts
  • 10 Penetration of ACA Services
  • 13Programming Costs
  • 16Deployments
  • 18Key Issues
  • 18High Cost of Programming
  • 19Retransmission Consent
  • 19Digital Must-Carry
  • 20DBS Competition
  • 20Cost of Doing Business
  • 20Affordable Set-top Boxes and Head-end Equipment
  • 20Ability to Provide Advanced Services
  • 22Additional Issues
  • 22Government Regulation
  • 23Illegal Satellite Cards
  • 23Bundling
  • 23Taxes
  • 23Education
  • 23HDTV
  • 24Financing
  • 24EAS (Emergency Alert System)
  • 24Copyright Fees
  • 24Overbuilders
  • 25Pole Attachment Rates
  • EXHIBIT A: SAMPLE OF THE ACA-THE CARMEL GROUP
  • 26SURVEY/QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 26Introductory Survey Cover Letter
  • 27Survey Questions