The FCC oversees policies, rules, procedures and standards for licensing and regulating satellite space and earth station facilities, both domestic and international.
- Can I place my satellite dish anywhere on my property?
- What is the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act of 1999?
- How does SHVIA affect the programming that is available to persons who subscribe to satellite TV service?
- Must a satellite company provide local channels to any subscriber who wants the channels?
Can I place my satellite dish anywhere on my property?
In general, a satellite dish that is 1 meter (39.37 inches) or less may be
installed on an area that you own or where you have exclusive use. There are
some restrictions that apply. For more information, please refer to our
guide on Over-the-Air
Reception Devices [1].
What is the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act of 1999?
The Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act of 1999 ("SHVIA") significantly
modifies the Satellite Home Viewer Act of 1988, the Communications Act and the
U.S. Copyright Act. SHVIA is designed to promote competition among multichannel
video programming distributors, such as satellite companies and cable television
operators, while at the same time increasing the programming choices available
to consumers.
How does SHVIA affect the programming that is available to persons who subscribe to satellite TV service?
SHVIA permits satellite companies to provide local broadcast TV signals to all
subscribers who reside in the local TV station’s market (also referred to as a
Designated Market Area ("DMA")), as defined by Nielsen Media Research. This
ability to provide local broadcast channels is commonly referred to as "local
into local" service. SHVIA also permits satellite companies to provide "distant"
network broadcast stations to eligible satellite subscribers.
Must a satellite company provide local channels to any subscriber who wants the channels?
No. The satellite company has the option of providing
local-into-local service, but is not required to do so. Some satellite companies
are already providing this service in selected markets. Subscribers should
contact their satellite company to determine whether and when the service will
be available in their specific DMA and which DMA applies to them.
More consumer information on satellite issues [2].