Dec. 13, 2006 Satellite television services such as DISH Network have imposed a federally mandated blackout on all network television to the Virgin Islands in recent days. Several V.I. subscribers who rely on satellite for TV entertainment said this week that they were told that the network programming block affects all so-called "long-distance receivers" because of recently enacted Congressional legislation. The Virgin Islands are considered long-distance receivers.
One industry source who wished not to be quoted said this week that every Dish network TV subscriber in the Virgin Islands was being affected by the Congressional ruling. The block does not affect subscribers to cable television systems, such as Innovative Cable TV or Choice Wireless.
Federal officials have confirmed that network television programming was blocked to V. I. residents. An effort was made by Democratic ranking members to have the action reversed before the congressional recess, but even with some U.S. senators' seniority and influence, the reversal never came.
One congressional source did say on Tuesday that with a shift of control in the House of Representatives and Senate come January, the Democratic leadership could tackle this issue in the first days after the new Congress convenes next month.
It could not be confirmed on Tuesday night whether other U.S. territories and possessions were being affected by the newly passed congressional regulations governing satellite television programming.
Back Talk
Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
