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Newsgroups: rec.video.cable-tv,rec.answers,news.answers
Path: bloom-beacon.mit.edu!hookup!swrinde!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!ames!purdue!yuma!news
From: bc338569@longs.LANCE.ColoState.Edu
Subject: Wireless Cable TV FAQ
Summary: What it is, how it works, and what companies you should be aware of.
Originator: catlin@CS.ColoState.EDU
Sender: news@yuma.ACNS.ColoState.EDU (News Account)
Message-ID: <MMDS_FAQ.940504.M940503@ALLISON100.HALLS.ColoState.EDU>
Supersedes: <MMDS_FAQ.940407.M940403@ALLISON100.HALLS.ColoState.EDU>
Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.Edu
Date: Wed, 4 May 1994 16:13:32 GMT
Expires: Fri, 3 Jun 1994 00:00:00 GMT
version=1.1.2;
title="Wireless Cable Television FAQ"
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Archive-name: wireless-cable
Last-modified: Tue, May 3, 1994
***** Wireless Cable Television - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) *****
Compiled by Brian J. Catlin
catlin@CS.ColoState.Edu -or- bc338569@longs.LANCE.ColoState.Edu
Copyright
---------
This file is Copyright (C) 1993, 1994 by Brian J. Catlin. All rights
reserved. Redistribution of this file in both electronic and printed form,
is permitted provided that this file is distributed in its entirety,
including this copyright notice. If you redistribute this file, please let
me know so that I can keep track of where this file goes.
Sources
-------
Most of this information is taken from FCC Public Notices along with
information sent to me by both the FCC and the Wireless Cable Association
(WCA). Other information has come from numerous newspapers, magazines, and
from discussions with MMDS subscribers. Items marked with three plus signs
(+++) have been added or changed since the last posting.
I would like to thank Alan Larson, Craig Strachman, and David Newman for
their numerous contributions and corrections.
Contents:
---------
1.0 Abbreviations used
2.0 What is wireless cable?
2.1 What is CellularVision?
3.0 What are the benefits of wireless cable to the customer?
3.1 How does wireless cable work?
3.2 What is the history of MMDS?
3.3 How does MMDS work commercially?
4.0 What frequencies are used?
+++ 4.1 How many channels can be transmitted?
4.2 What channels can be sent?
5.0 What is the range of wireless cable?
5.1 Does weather affect reception?
6.0 What equipment is in the subscriber's home?
6.1 Is wireless cable equipment reliable?
7.0 What about copyright issues?
8.0 What about security?
9.0 How are wireless cable systems regulated?
+++10.0 I saw one of those 'infomercials' about wireless cable. Are
these companies legit?
10.1 How can I tell if a company is running a scam on me?
11.0 Is there an industry association?
11.1 Who do I contact for more information?
11.2 Are there any FTP or gopher sites available for more information?
12.0 Where can I get the latest copy of this FAQ?
Questions and Answers
---------------------
1.0) ABBREVIATIONS USED:
ITFS - Instructional Television Fixed Service. Channels that must have
a minimum of 5 hours per week of educational programming. May
be leased for wireless cable usage.
LMDS - Local Multipoint Distribution Service. Two sets of 50 channels
in the 28 GHz band. Not yet available for wireless cable usage.
MDS - Multipoint Distribution Service. Two channels that are similar
to MMDS. May be used in a wireless cable system.
MMDS - Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service. Two sets of four
channels each. Also, type of service known as "Wireless Cable".
OFS - Private Operational-Fixed Microwave Service. Three channels
that may be used for a wireless cable system.
2.0) WHAT IS WIRELESS CABLE?
Wireless cable is a name given to a service that is called Multichannel
Multipoint Distribution Service (or MMDS). It is a type of cable
television system that offers its subscribers a mix of satellite
channels by transmitting the programming over MMDS frequencies along
with MDS, OFS, and ITFS frequencies, if they are available. Wireless
cable uses Super High Frequency ("SHF") channels to transmit satellite
cable programming over-the-air instead of through overhead or
underground wires.
2.1) WHAT IS CELLULARVISION?
CellularVision/Suite12 is a company that has been granted special
permission by the FCC to transmit video services on a higher frequency
than what wireless cable uses. They have been testing in the 28 GHz
(or LMDS) band. It is believed that the FCC may allocate two sets of
50 channels in this band for wireless cable type service.
CellularVision is hoping to provide television plus much more. With
this system it would be possible to have interactive networking,
grocery ordering, bank transactions, and video teleconferencing. I am
not sure what all CellularVision is planning on offering during this
initial testing period. However, using the 28 GHz band means
sacrificing signal range. These signals aren't able to achieve even
the 25-30 mile range that MMDS and other 2 GHz services are able to
get, given the same transmitting power. To get around this, they are
using 35 "cell sites" to transmit the programming. They hope to offer
service to over 6.3 million subscribers in the region around New York
City by 1995.
The signal that they are sending is interleaved, which allows the
transmission of large numbers of services with narrow bandwidths.
3.0) WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WIRELESS CABLE TO THE CUSTOMER?
Availability: Wireless Cable can be made available in areas of
scattered population and other areas where it is too expensive to build
a traditional cable station.
Affordability: Due to the lower costs of building a Wireless Cable
Station, savings can be passed on to the subscribers.
3.1) HOW DOES IT WORK?
Scrambled satellite cable programming is received at a central location
where it is processed and fed into special transmitters. The SHF
transmitters distribute the programming throughout the coverage area,
The signals are received by special antennas installed on subscribers'
roofs, combined with the existing VHF and UHF channels from the
subscriber's existing antenna, and distributed within the home or
building through coaxial cable into a channel program selector located
near the television set.
Notice that you must provide a UHF and/or VHF antenna if you want the
broadcast channels. This is because the Wireless Cable Box only
provides a UHF/VHF tuner. Of course, not all boxes include even this
feature (but most do).
3.2) WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF MMDS?
It is a fairly new service that developed from MDS (multi-point
distribution service) which could only send one or two channels.
Originally, the FCC thought MDS would be used primarily to send business
data. However, since MDS's creation in the early 70's, the service has
become increasingly popular in sending entertainment programming.
Because the FCC does not regulate the content of the transmission,
alternative uses would not be prohibited.
Today, there are systems in use all around the U.S. and in many other
countries including the former Soviet Union, and Canada. Other systems
are being built all over the place, including Australia. At the rate
that the FCC has been receiving applications, it looks as if many more
systems are going to be built in the U.S..
3.3) HOW DOES MMDS WORK COMMERCIALLY?
A MMDS licensee, which is similar to a broadcast station owner, leases
transmission time to programmers on a first-come, first-served basis.
The programmers, in turn, are responsible for designing and selling
their programs to the subscriber.
A MMDS applicant can choose to operate as a common carrier. In the
telecommunications industry, a common carrier also may provide services
such as audio only transmissions, telephone, or data. The FCC also
requires that the licensee and the programmer not be related or
affiliated. A common carrier offers transmission service for hire.
(Note that this is NOT part of what is usually called "video dialtone".
However, depending on the technology used, it may be possible to provide
video dialtone using this method.)
A MMDS applicant can alternatively choose to operate as a non-common
carrier. This scenario in effect would constitute a non-common carrier
wireless cable system.
Also, note that a MMDS license only entitles you to FOUR channels. In
order to use all 33 channels, you must apply for several different
licenses from different bureaus of the FCC. This can be very costly!
4.0) WHAT FREQUENCIES ARE USED?
Frequency num. of type of channel
Range channels service groups
------------------------- -------- ------- -----------------
2,150 - 2,162 MHz 2 MDS 1,2,2(A)
2,500 - 2,596 MHz 16 ITFS ABC&D
2,596 - 2,644 MHz 8 MMDS E&F
2,644 - 2,686 MHz 4 ITFS G
" - " 3 OFS H
2,686 - 2,689.875 MHz 31* MMDS Response Channels
* - Each channel's bandwidth is 125 KHz, and does not carry video.
There are also tests being made in New York for transmitting in the
28 GHz band (LMDS). The frequencies used are 27.5 GHz - 29.5 GHz.
I am not sure of how these frequencies are divided between the
different services.
The FCC is currently thinking about opening up more frequencies so that
up to 7 wireless cable companies can compete in the larger markets.
4.1) HOW MANY CHANNELS CAN BE TRANSMITTED?
When fully implemented, wireless cable operations may have as many as
33 channels of broadcast and cable programming. This, of course,
depends on which channels are already used in your area. Furthermore,
20 of the 33 channels are borrowed from ITFS services and are earmarked
for educational use. This means there is a requirement to program 5
hours per week per channel of educational material. If any of these
channels are being used, then any extra time can be leased by the MMDS
station, if the owner of the license agrees.
Approximately 90 to 150 channels may become available if digital
+++compression is used. There are a few sites that are testing this new
+++technology, and I have heard that the video and audio signals are quite
+++good. They are using Zenith's new 16-level digital transmission system
+++which is also capable of delivering HDTV (High Definition Television).
Also, since the signals will be sent digitally, it is expected that the
range of the signal will increase by approximately 3 times.
Wireless Cable operators are now allowed to place all of their
educational programming onto one ITFS channel. In the past, operators
have had to use the channel re-mapping function of the downconverters
to make all of the educational channels appear to be on one channel.
This greatly simplifies programming issues for the operators.
4.2) WHAT CHANNELS CAN BE SENT?
Wireless cable systems can carry any of the typical cable channels. In
the past, some channels refused to let wireless cable systems carry
their signals. However, the cable re-regulation bill made channels that
are available to cable companies also available to wireless cable. It
can also send the 'SuperGuide' data along with similar data services.
5.0) WHAT IS THE RANGE OF WIRELESS CABLE?
Wireless cable systems optimally can get a range of up to 25-30 miles.
This depends largely on the terrain, transmitting power, both the
transmitting and receiving equipment, and many other factors. In order
to receive the signal, the transmitting and receiving antennas must be
line-of-site.
Because of its low startup costs, and the ability to reach places that
cannot be served by traditional cable, MMDS may be feasible in certain
rural areas.
A range of 75 to 90 miles could be accomplished if a new digital
compression system is used. (See question 3.1)
5.1) DOES WEATHER AFFECT RECEPTION?
The answer to this question depends on the type of system used. For
systems that transmit their programming without modification (ie. No
compression or scrambling), severe fog and/or rain can cause the signal
to deteriorate. From what I have heard, you can usually expect between
eight to ten days per year of interrupted service. This figure, I
believe, is the average for the current systems operating in the U.S..
If the programming is scrambled, the downconverter/descrambler may loose
authorization sooner.
On the other hand, if the programming is sent digitally, or is digitally
compressed, the signal can deteriorate to a much lower level before the
picture is affected. However, once the signal gets this weak, the
picture will deteriorate at a much faster rate as the weather gets
worse. From what I have read, the average number of days that this type
of service would be interrupted, would be one day per year. (This sounds
rather optimistic to me...does anyone have any info about this?)
Also, the farther the receiver is from the transmitter, the sooner the
picture will be affected.
6.0) WHAT EQUIPMENT IS IN THE SUBSCRIBER'S HOME?
Each household subscribing to the service has a small antenna on its
roof (about the size of an open newspaper) and a downconverter inside.
The downconverter usually includes an addressable decoder and a VHF/UHF
tuner built in. This gives it the ability to tune in broadcast channels
without having to use up valuable MMDS channels. It also allows
pay-per-view services and simplifies channel blocking and premium
channel activation/deactivation.
Also, the subscriber will need a UHF and/or VHF antenna if they want to
receive broadcast channels.
Recently, a new converter has been introduced that will send _all_
channels out of the converter at once. This means that you can use
your TV's and your VCR's built in tuner instead of having to have
seperate boxes for each. This new technology is (hopefully) going to
be integrated into Wireless Cable converters as well as the traditional
cable boxes sometime in 1994.
6.1) IS WIRELESS CABLE EQUIPMENT RELIABLE?
Several excellent manufacturers produce antennas and downconverters for
signal reception along with decoder boxes.
Because the signal is broadcast over the air, it is not subject to the
failures of traditional cable. However, the receiving end is somewhat
more complex than most wired cable systems would use. Also, the signal
is in a frequency range that may be attenuated by water (such as rain)
and can be blocked by trees. There is also some risk of interference
from microwave ovens operating in the area on 2,450 MHz.
There are several companies that provide equipment and consulting
services. If you are interested in this, you may want to pick up the
latest copy of The Broadcasting Yearbook or Multichannel News. These
can be found at most large libraries.
7.0) WHAT ABOUT COPYRIGHT ISSUES?
Currently, wireless cable systems have assumed that they may use a
compulsory license to pay for copyright issues (similar to what cable
companies do today). A compulsory license enables systems to
re-transmit broadcast signals for a pre-established fee to compensate
producers of TV programs. The copyright office recently announced that
wireless cable is NOT a cable system, therefore, these systems may not
use compulsory licenses. They have decided, though, that wireless cable
systems may continue to use the compulsory license for two years (until
December 31, 1994). There is currently two bills that have been
introduced that would extend this date. One bill would extend the date
to June 1, 1995 while the other bill extends it to June 1, 1997. I will
keep my eye out for this outcome.
8.0) WHAT ABOUT SECURITY?
In systems that use scrambling, signal security is provided by encoding
each channel and equipping the converter with a decoding device that
responds to a pilot signal carrying a data stream with authorization
instructions. Thus, the system is totally addressable. No (legal)
converter box will have any utility unless it is authorized for service
by the central computer. All channels, both Basic and Premium, are hard
scrambled. Because the wireless cable system is addressable, it can
also accommodate pay-per-view service.
One way to defeat this is to use an illegal converter box. These are
not as easy to find as the ones for regular cable systems. However,
a "Universal Descrambler" will probably be able to descramble the
channels. (I have not tried this).
If digital compression is used, then no scrambling is needed as a
compressed signal is impossible to watch.
For more information on scrambling/descrambling, please refer to the
"rec.video.cable-tv FYI List" posted in rec.video.cable-tv by Ed J.
Gurney (egurney@vcd.hp.com).
9.0) HOW ARE WIRELESS CABLE SYSTEMS REGULATED?
The FCC has specifically preempted local regulation of wireless cable
frequencies, asserting that it is interstate commerce. There is no
basis for local regulation of the wireless signal. Unlike cable, no
public rights of way are used, and all transmission and reception
equipment is on private property.
Furthermore, the antennas are so similar to regular television antennas
that there can be no basis for zoning restrictions. If a particular
area does have zoning restrictions against antennas, they can be fought
against in court (the newsgroup rec.video.satellite occasionally has
these discussions). However, if you signed an agreement that restricted
antennas, you may be out of luck.
If you find yourself in this situation, look at the "USENET Satellite
FAQ List" posted in rec.video.satellite by Gary Bourgois. Most of the
information he provides about zoning restrictions applies to Wireless
Cable antennas as well as TVRO (satellite) antennas.
10.0) I SAW ONE OF THOSE 'INFOMERCIALS' ABOUT WIRELESS CABLE. ARE THESE
COMPANIES LEGIT?
While some companies may be legit, there are some things that they don't
disclose. Because of this, two companies have had temporary restraining
orders placed against them. A judge has placed some of the following
restrictions on them.
1. They may no longer state that applicants are "virtually guaranteed"
of winning a license in the FCC lottery or that most wireless cable
licenses are "highly valuable."
2. "There may be substantial delays in the awarding of any MMDS
[Multichannel Multipoint Distribution System] license due to the
length of time the FCC takes to process MMDS applications and award
MMDS licenses."
3. That financing for wireless cable systems is hard to get, "given the
relatively new nature of this field of technology and that such
financing may require additional funds of the customer's own money
as a condition" to obtaining system.
4. Provide a new "Risk Disclosure" statement that applicants must sign
before sale is completed. This statement informs applicants, among
other items, that any representations of value of systems are
opinions and not actual values, that the winner of a MMDS lottery
wins only 4 channels and that there may be competition with
satellite, VCR, and other media.
Temporary Restraining Orders have been placed on, or have been filed
against: 1) Applied Telemedia Engineering and Management (A-TEAM) and
2) Applied Cable Technologies (ACT). If you deal with any type of
application preparation firm, be very careful and read EVERYTHING.
Other companies that MAY be questionable include Communications
Engineering Management Services (CEMS), Decaxo Capital, Techno Source,
and Western Wireless. These companies have management that were
involved in a company selling cellular licenses. This company was
forced out of business by the FCC for misleading customers.
Other questionable companies include MMDS Technologies (also known as
Metro Communications Group), Tele-Wave Technology, GMT Group (also
known as National Micro Vision Systems), American Microtel Inc. (a
subsidiary of Halo Holdings Group which is affiliated with First
Atlantic Equity Corp. and with Codima Inc.), Continental Wireless
Cable Television, Spectrum Resources Group, UEG L.C., United Resource
Group L.C., United Communications Ltd, Application Resolution Trust
(ART), Foster City Financial Inc., and Michael Charles Fisher. I
have not heard anything about any other application preparation firm.
MMDS Technologies (aka. Metro Communications Group) had a restraining
order placed against them, but it was later removed.
Applied Telemedia Engineering and Management lost a court battle and
they must repay their customers $100,000 for falsely representing
their product. They also have to pay a $50,000 Performance Bond.
You may also want to be carefull if you invest in a Wireless Cable
Company in Florida which is run by Key West Wireless Partners (KWWP),
Gerald Wireless, and Satellite Microcable of Florida. This company
has been telling people that they are running a 32 channel system when
they only have 12 channels. They have not even applied for the other
20 channels.
Also, take note that in the U.S., it is ILLEGAL to enter into (or even
plan on entering into) a settlement group when applying for a license.
Investigations by both federal and state agencies are continuing on
many companies. As I receive info, it will be placed here.
+++[NOTE: Midas Media Inc. has been removed from this list. A freeze
+++that was placed on their assets and business control of Sky Cable in
+++Omaha was lifted. In return, Midas Media must fund an independent
+++study of operations and viability of Sky Cable. This study could
+++cost $50,000. Thanks to David Newman for providing this information.]
10.1 HOW CAN I TELL IF A COMPANY IS RUNNING A SCAM ON ME?
The following article excerpt may help you. It was taken from the Los
Angeles Business Journal. (Rackham, Anne "Beware of wireless cable
scam, state warns public" April 20, 1992 v14 n16 pg 3(2)).
(REPRINTED WITHOUT PERMISSION - Hoping to get it :-).
--- BEGIN ARTICLE ---
According to the Better Business Bureau and the Department of
Corporations, the alleged scam works this way:
* Investors are told that a wireless cable company is looking for
investors who want to hold licenses for given areas that the
company will service.
* Each investor is asked to pay $5,000 to $7,000 and is told that
the company will fill out and submit a license application in that
person's name. The investor isn't told that the FCC filing fee is
only $155.
* The company submits several applications for one market, for which
they've completed the required engineering studies, on behalf of
numerous investors. These applications often don't meet the
technical requirements to be successful.
* Even if the investor wins a license, there may not be funding
available to bring a system on line, or the business may not be
profitable, much less return the outrageous sums mentioned in
sales pitches.
"Any time you hear someone say that they can turn $5,000 into a multi-
million-dollar windfall, it's time to stop listening and hang up the
phone," said Corporation Commissioner Thomas Sayles.
--- END ARTICLE ---
11.0) IS THERE AN INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION?
Wireless cable operators, license holders, and equipment/service
suppliers have formed the Wireless Cable Association. Among its
activities the WCA has established a set of industry standards, both
business and technical. The WCA has also made the industry's concerns
known on Capitol Hill and at Federal agencies such as the FCC, NTIA,
OTA and DOJ. The WCA has also opened channels of communication with
organizations such as the National League of Cities, NATOA, MPAA and
the Association of State Attorneys General.
11.1) WHO DO I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?
FCC
Common Carrier Bureau
Washington, DC 20554
(202) 634-1706
Wireless Cable Association International, Inc.
1155 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 452-7823
FAX: (202) 452-0041
11.2) ARE THERE ANY FTP OR GOPHER SITES AVAILABLE FOR MORE INFORMATION?
The FCC is currently setting up a site (ftp.fcc.gov) for anonymous FTP of
daily reports, transcripts, and many other things on cable, radio,
television, telephone, and everything else that the FCC deals with.
You should first get the README file ftp://ftp.fcc.gov/README which
tells how the files are stored.
For more information on anonymous FTP, see your local network
administrator or your BBS's sysop.
This service is also available via gopher. All you need to do is gopher
to ftp.fcc.gov port 70.
12.0) WHERE CAN I GET THE LATEST COPY OF THIS FAQ?
The latest copy of this FAQ can be found via anonymous FTP at these sites
in North America:
Site: rtfm.mit.edu
File: /pub/usenet/rec.video.cable-tv/Wireless_Cable_TV_FAQ
Site: ftp.uu.net
File: /usenet/news.answers/wireless-cable
It can also be found at any site that mirrors the news.answers archive.
For more information on anonymous FTP, see your local network
administrator or your BBS's sysop.
Disclaimer
----------
I have no affiliation with any type of cable or broadcast system. I am
definitely not an expert in these areas. I have tried, to the best of my
ability, to interpret and relay the most accurate and up to date
information. However, I do not guarantee the accuracy of this information
as some of my sources may be biased or incorrect.
For additions, clarifications, corrections, or if you just have some
questions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me.
--
B. J. Catlin
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
----- Brian J. Catlin * Colorado State University -----
----- catlin@CS.ColoState.Edu * Fort Collins, Colorado -----
----- bc338569@longs.LANCE.ColoState.Edu * (303) 495-2841 -----
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
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