WORLD'S FIRST WIRELESS CABLE SYSTEM LAUNCHED
By Adnews Staff
Craig Broadcasting Ltd. of Manitoba introduced what it says is the world's first digital wireless cable system last week. Called SkyCable Inc., the new service has 200 subscribers and signed orders from another 1,000 who are waiting for delivery of their set-top boxes and antennas. Wireless cable works by transmitting signals from communications towers to small antennas in subscribers' homes. SkyCable presently has two transmission towers, one in Brandon and one in Elie. It plans to add seven more towers in southern Manitoba in the near future. SkyCable is currently offering 30 channels, but plans to expand to 60 within a few months and eventually go 150. The company has not advertised yet, although it may begin a campaign in the future. If it does, the ads will run on television and will be produced in-house. Craig Broadcasting, a family-owned company, consists two TV stations, six radio stations and SkyCable.