lauren@vortex.UUCP (Lauren Weinstein) (01/18/85)
Since this is only an experiment, I don't think that ANYONE should be running out and buying equipment now. I very strongly discourage this, though some people seem to want to do it anyway. If the experiment ever gets beyond the experimental stage, there would presumably be certain guarantees from the carrier regarding continuity of service. I've also suggested the group rental and/or buy back of decoders to help reduce individual risks. I doubt if this could easily apply to full earth stations (i.e. dish/receiver) but those are generally very easy to resell or rent through local businesses in any given area anyway (there are lots of satellite TV stores scattered around). But this is academic and premature. A real service would seem to need continuity gurantees of some sort. The experiment doesn't. One thing at a time. --Lauren--