Number: RS20425
Title: Satellite Television: Provisions of SHVIA and LOCAL, and Related Issues
Authors: Marcia Smith, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: Congress passed two laws to provide consumers greater access to local network television stations, particularly via satellite. First, the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act (SHVIA, part of P.L. 106-113) was enacted in 1999. SHVIA allows (not requires) satellite companies to retransmit a local broadcast network signal back into the same local market area from which it originates (local-into-local). Concerned that satellite TV companies do not plan to offer local-into-local in all parts of the country, Congress passed the Launching Our Communities Access to Local Television Act (LOCAL, part of P.L. 106-553) in 2000. That act creates a loan guarantee program that its supporters hope will ensure that consumers in small and rural markets receive local network TV stations via satellite or other technologies. This report summarizes the provisions of SHVIA and LOCAL, and the debate over whether a company called Northpoint should be able to use the same frequencies as satellites to transmit data and television using terrestrial systems.
Pages: 6
Date: December 15, 2004