Some 10 projects are currently underway using two-way satellite delivery of broadband. Most are dependent on the low Ka band, and are slated to begin after 2001, says Wahba. The benefit of satellite is that it allows consumers to access data, voice and video on the go, and covers as wide or narrow an area as the service provider wants. However, he believes while satellite is technically a competitor, it can complement cable by providing services to geographic areas that cable cannot reach through use of a two-way satellite to a dish on top of a wireless tower. Outstanding issues Despite this year s achievements, operators will have to deal with unresolved issues, like customer service, which many say needs improvement.
People realize cable has that bad legacy as a bad service provider.
They are not just a cable company anymore, they are a full-service provider. And many smaller MSOs will have to do a more aggressive job with their upgrades. It s costly, it s time consuming. Although cable modems are being sold in retail stores, manufacturers will have to do a better job in getting them installed. New challenges Each year brings new challenges to the industry.