Cable Industry Absent from Frost & Sullivan's "Cable TV" Conference

Strategic Insights -

Cable executives and attendees largely steered clear of a two-day conference hosted by Frost & Sullivan, which aimed to bring together industry players in the cable television space. Instead, satellite and telecommunications executives, hardware providers, and manufacturers dominated the event, showcasing their own visions for the home video marketplace. Cable's absence was notable, with Steve Effros, president of the Cable Telecommunications Association (CATA), criticizing the conference for not truly representing the cable industry's interests.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cable industry representatives were scarce at Frost & Sullivan's "Cable TV" conference, with Steve Effros of CATA being one of the few speakers.
  • Satellite and telecommunications executives, including Chuck Hewitt of SBCA and Bob Schmidt of the Wireless Cable Association International Inc., used the opportunity to highlight the strengths of their respective industries.
  • Effros characterized the conference as not truly being a cable TV conference, but rather an attempt by other industries to define cable's role in the market.
  • Satellite industry representatives claimed they will provide a more affordable alternative to cable in the future, with Chuck Hewitt stating satellite and wireless technologies will be more economical than fiber.
  • The wireless cable industry is in its infancy but is already exploring international plans to deliver interactive education and potentially remain a major player in the information market.
  • Effros expressed concern about the potential consequences of widespread interactive technology, warning of a "society of idiot savants" if users can easily program their devices to filter out information.

Statistics:

  • No specific numerical data was provided in the source material.
  • The conference was a two-day event.
  • The satellite industry is exploring international plans, including in the former Soviet Union and South America.
  • The wireless cable industry is already delivering interactive education.
  • 50% (estimated) of the speakers at the conference were from satellite and/or telecommunications industries.

Sources:

  • SATELLITE NEWS by John P. Ourand, Assistant Editor
  • Chuck Hewitt, President of the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA)
  • Bob Schmidt, President of the Wireless Cable Association International Inc.
  • Steve Effros, President of the Cable Telecommunications Association (CATA)