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From: lauren@vortex.UUCP (Lauren Weinstein)
Newsgroups: net.news.stargate
Subject: how long...
Message-ID: <506@vortex.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 18-Jan-85 03:44:41 EST
Article-I.D.: vortex.506
Posted: Fri Jan 18 03:44:41 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 20-Jan-85 05:41:54 EST
Organization: Vortex Technology, Los Angeles
Lines: 17

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--