New Era - New Breed - New Opportunities - July MDU Conference

ICTA is working closely with SBCA to organize all aspects of the MDU Conference scheduled for the Las Vegas Hilton and Convention Center - July 18 - 21, 2000.

The MDU Conference will focus on more intensive learning experiences than last year's Conference. This year there will be fewer panels and more "mini-schools" including the following:

• MDU - Service Provider Economics and Business Models. The instructors for this 2-hour session will provide education regarding the different accounting and financial principles utilized by MDU/REITs and the providers to those properties. This should help attendees better understand the economic forces driving users and providers in their contract negotiations. Also, related Workshop.
• DBS - PCO - MDU Technology and Business Models. The instructors for this 2-hour session will focus on the economic factors underlying different DBS delivery models for numerous types of MDUs.
• High Speed Internet Services: ABCs of Technologies and Business Models. This 2-hour session will provide basic instruction regarding the different ISP technology systems and the economics behind each for various types of multifamily facilities. Also, related Workshop.
• Expanding Opportunities: Condos/Coops, Senior Housing, Education Facilities and Planned Unit Developments. This 90 minute session will offer presenters from each of the above types of MDU markets to interact with the audience about the scope of these markets and about how PCOs can capitalize on these opportunities.
• Delivery Platform Solutions. During this 90 minute session numerous hardware and technology providers to MDUs through PCOs will explore specific solutions to delivery platform problems encountered in multifamily settings.

In addition to these educational sessions there will be some 22 workshops available for MDU Conference attendees - four focusing specifically on the above mentioned mini-schools.

An important aspect of the conference is networking. This year the two networking receptions, on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, will be less noisy and more conducive to communication by attendees so that contacts are made and business opportunities explored.

All of these events are in addition to the 100,000 square foot Exhibit Floor, including the 30,000 square foot MDU Pavilion. All Conference attendees will also be welcomed at the SBCA Convention events.

At the opening ceremonies, Scott Wiggins of United Dominion Realty Trust and Bryan Rader of Media Works will present to the attendees the ICTA Program of Excellence (POE). Workshops will also be offered to explain the POE Technical and Service Standards. ICTA Member Registration is $345.00, which includes 4 Workshops. Non-member fee is $395.00. Register today!

WSNet Rolls Out New Digital Product for PCOs

Cary Ferchill and Mark Sherman announced the new WSNet digital satellite television service on March 22, 2000. WSNet's new service will deliver over 180 digital video, music, movie and pay-per-view channels. The service, specifically designed for PCO use in MDUs, uses a single mini-dish antenna, will also be sold through small and rural cable operators, and wireless cable operators. For additional information visit www.wsnt.com

FCC Regulatory Preparation

• 18 GHz - Bob Pallé of Blonder Tongue continues his vigorous activity endeavoring to find an acceptable compromise with the satellite launching companies to protect existing and future growth for PCOs using microwave transmission. These negotiations are complicated because of the number of satellite companies involved, their dispirit business plans and the fact that this is not only highly complex technically but also complex given the number of political issues involved. It is now anticipated that these negotiations will succeed or fail within the next days. Thereafter, the FCC Commissioners will vote on a rulemaking. Unless a compromise is found, the FCC could well adopt a Final Report and Order which will dramatically reduce the availability of this signal transport mechanism for PCOs. Final action is expected within a month.
• "The Major Rule" addressing perpetual contracts, exclusive contracts and mandatory access has taken additional steps toward final FCC Commissioner consideration. At the end of last week, staff for Ms. Deborah Lathen, Cable Services Bureau Director, concluded their evaluation of the draft Report and Order. Hopefully she will, in the near future, submit the draft to the 8th floor for Commissioner consideration under either the circulation method or in a public meeting. If it is submitted to the 8th floor within the next month, there could still be time for the Commissioners to vote on the matter prior to the July MDU Conference.