On March 26, 2007, the Commission adopted its First Annual Report to Congress on the state of competition in the communications satellite services industry. This inaugural report examines six wholesale and two retail satellite services markets for the period of 2000 through 2006.
The FCC finds effective competition in the satellite markets addressed, based on a range of standard economic indicators commonly used to assess market concentration, conduct and performance. As the initial review of the satellite services sector, the Report provides a brief outline of the history and structure of the industry, and identifies certain capacity and pricing aspects specific to the sector, and notes intermodal competition from terrestrial technologies. At Congress’ direction, the Report also discusses the Commission’s policies regarding foreign participants’ entry into the U.S. market, and as well as U.S. companies’ ability to access to certain foreign markets.
The FCC concludes that the commercial satellite services sector continues to benefit U.S. consumers, government at all levels and American industry by providing important connectivity and ongoing technology innovation.
Statement of Commissioner Copps
Statement of Commissioner Adelstein
Statement of Commissioner Tate