If anyone out there has any idea what's going on with the bill that's currently in the House of Representatives that will allow for broadcast of local channels to subscribers, please let me know.

Thanks

Latest I've seen is that it's still in conference, the Senate and House have both presented proposed legistlation to the committee, with the House version looking better for DBS than the Senate version. There's a story at:

[Link: skyreport.com]

I'd also suggest checking out http://www.dbsdish.com/ . They have forums, some dedicated to this very issue, links to various news stories, etc. It's a cool site.

And !!!PLEASE!!! write your senators and representative ASAP!

Thanks Todd for the great sites. I will follow with baited breath as to what will happen. I went to the DBSdish site and read their newslink section where an update story gave all the email addresses for the Senators and Represetatives on the respective commitees. I sent one to each one and I would encourage everyone else to do the same.

David,
The bill has been passed to allow for local stations.. Congress must reconvene to sign off on it... You should be getting your local stations within the next several months, the latest being around Jan/Feb 2000. The cost will be like $5 extra on your sat bill!! Wait for it.. it'll be awesome...

John

John,

The bill has not yet passed, and Congress has not yet adjourned! The bill is still in conference and is being actively debated. The latest news I've seen (from today) is:

[Link: skyreport.com]
Clinton Official Urges DTH Bill Passage

Which is good news - it basically says that Commerce Sec'y Daley has written a letter to Congress urging them to get the bill done. He also hits on two important pro-consumer points: he is in favor of development of a new signal strength standard and opposed to strict must-carry rules. It also has a quote from a congressional staffer: "the feeling is the conference committee can complete its work over the next two days."

Something pretty much has to happen before 31 Dec.; that is the current date imposed by a judge when satellite companies will have to shut off (almost) everyone's networks. That would make for a LOT of unhappy people.

I believe the bill passed by a huge majority in the House today. They dont think it will be as easy in the Senate though, but still lets celebrate because we are half way there. [Link: skyreport.com]