Many consumers live in areas too remote to receive quality local broadcast or cable service.
The only way for them to receive network programming is to subscribe to a satellite service. But unfortunately technology has not been made available for consumers in smaller communities and rural areas to receive their local television stations on their satellite systems. Therefore, satellite subscribers in these areas are deprived of access to local stations which supply important emergency information, sports, weather, and local news coverage. In addition the availability of local stations on satellite will make satellite a competitive alternative to cable in cities and towns. The sooner this legislation is signed into law, the sooner satellite dish owners in Southwest Virginia can begin receiving their local network television stations.