Statistics Canada - Cable and satellite television - 2006

During 2006 wireless competitors, mainly satellite television service providers, saw the number of subscribers to their services reach 2.6 million in 2006, up 5.5% from 2005.

Revenues for this industry segment reached $1.7 billion-an increase of 17.5%.

Let''s look at theft of service for this segment of the market.

2.6 million subscribers / $1.7 billion revenues = $680 per customer per year in revenues

The industry reports show there is an additional 22% to 28% stealing satellite signal.

22% of 2.5 million = 550,000 X $680 = $374,000,000 annual industry losses.

Government of Canada GST Losses = $18,700,000

28% of 2.5 million = 700,000 X $680 = $476,000,000

The Federal Government charges a tax of 5% (GST) on the services = $23,800,000

US Satellite TV Subscribers 2007 - Q3

DirecTV = 16.6
Dish Network = 13.7

DirecTV and Dish Network = 30.3 million subscribers.

22% of 30.3 million = 6,666,000 X $600 = $3,999,600,000

Loss in state excise taxes of about 5% or higher = $199,980,000