No small issues: the challenges are many, but success awaits the smart, active small system operator

• Published in: Cablecaster (Toronto) Vol. 11; no. 2; p. 34
• Main Author: Ritchie, Warren
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Don Mills Business Information Group 01.02.1999
• Subjects: Cable TV; Customer services
• ISSN: 0840-9153

In the early '80s, new satellite-delivered signals allowed even the most remote communities access to cable television. This kick-started a huge growth industry as cable systems were built in all but the tiniest communities, ultimately making Canada the most cabled nation in the world. These were the heady days of growth and expansion for the industry. The failure of the Anik satellite was a wake up call for small system operators. This, along with new digital satellite signals, Class 2 deregulation and the launch of American and Canadian DTH services, became defining issues of the last decade. Shortly after recovering from the Anik satellite failures, cable operators were faced with implementing digital technology in their satellite-delivered signals. While the technology allowed more signals to be delivered efficiently, its implementation became a burden for many small, satellite-dependent systems. The digital signals were not as robust as originally thought and significant problems developed. Operators were required to upgrade their facilities and troubleshoot interference problems from sources as unique as noisy heater switches and snow machine engines.