-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: keymaster@town.hall.org Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFkwCgYEVQgBAQICAgADSwAwSAJBALeWW4xDV4i7+b6+UyPn5RtObb1cJ7VkACDq pKb9/DClgTKIm08lCfoilvi9Wl4SODbR1+1waHhiGmeZO8OdgLUCAwEAAQ== MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, J64lJk1+4DnXj3ROZVtBJHUMJ+ElC7PixUZ59/oLUDifEomggwnzXTGFBjoVj+zt Ca8IjL1BwhzNiwOZKb6Jdw== 0000950134-94-001090.txt : 19940908 0000950134-94-001090.hdr.sgml : 19940908 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950134-94-001090 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19940531 FILED AS OF DATE: 19940907 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: JONES SPACELINK LTD CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000353796 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: 4841 IRS NUMBER: 840835095 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CO FISCAL YEAR END: 0531 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-10040 FILM NUMBER: 94548207 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 9697 E MINERAL AVE STREET 2: P O BOX 3309 CITY: ENGLEWOOD STATE: CO ZIP: 80155-3309 BUSINESS PHONE: 3037929191 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 9697 E MINERAL AVE STREET 2: P O BOX 3309 CITY: ENGLEWOOD STATE: CO ZIP: 80155 10-K/A 1 FORM 10-K/A FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 5/31/94 1 FORM 10-K/A NO. 1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 (Mark One) (X) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (FEE REQUIRED) FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 1994 OR ( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED) For the transition period from _____ to _____ Commission File No. 0-8947 JONES SPACELINK, LTD. --------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Colorado 84-0835095 -------- -------------- (State of Organization) (IRS Employer Identification No.) P.O. Box 3309, Englewood, Colorado 80155-3309 - ---------------------------------- ---------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (303) 792-9191 -------------- Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: ----------------------------------------------------------- Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or l5(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of l934 during the preceding l2 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ------- ------- Aggregate Market Value as of August 15, 1994 of voting stock held by non-affiliates: Class A Common Stock $12,805,855 Shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of August 15, 1994: Class A Common Stock: 77,665,200 shares Class B Common Stock: 415,000 shares Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. --x-- ----- 2 PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS GENERAL Jones Spacelink, Ltd. ("Spacelink") is a Colorado corporation, organized in 1980. Spacelink is primarily engaged in the acquisition, development and operation of cable television systems for itself and its affiliated managed limited partnerships. See Item 1, The Cable Television Industry and Spacelink's Cable Television Business. Spacelink, through subsidiaries, also is engaged in the cable television system brokerage business, the manufacture and marketing of data encryption products, contract manufacturing services and the provision of audio programming to radio stations and cable television systems in the United States. Spacelink is a subsidiary of Jones International, Ltd. ("International"), which owns approximately 79% of Spacelink's Class A Common Stock and 100% of Spacelink's Class B Common Stock. Mr. Glenn R. Jones, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Spacelink, is the owner of all of the outstanding stock of International and thus is deemed to be the beneficial owner of all shares of Spacelink owned by International. Mr. Jones also directly owns approximately 6% of Spacelink's Class A Common Stock. Mr. Jones' direct and indirect stock ownership enables him to control the election of a majority of Spacelink's Board of Directors and gives him voting power over approximately 86% of votes to be cast by all shareholders on matters not requiring a class vote. One of Spacelink's consolidated subsidiaries, Jones Intercable, Inc. ("Intercable"), is also engaged in the cable television business. Intercable has outstanding two classes of stock, Common Stock and Class A Common Stock. Spacelink owns approximately 58% of Intercable's outstanding Common Stock (or approximately 14% of all outstanding shares of Intercable taking into account both classes of Intercable's common stock). Due to certain preferential voting rights given to holders of Intercable's Common Stock, Spacelink's majority ownership of Intercable's Common Stock enables it to elect 75% of Intercable's Board of Directors. Intercable is a public company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and has filed its own Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended May 31, 1994. Certain additional information about, and exhibits related specifically to, Intercable can be found in that report. On May 31, 1994, Spacelink and Intercable agreed that, subject to the approval of the shareholders of Spacelink and Intercable and certain other closing conditions, Intercable will acquire from Spacelink substantially all of the assets of Spacelink. See Proposed Acquisition of Spacelink by Intercable. Spacelink, through its 80% owned subsidiary The Jones Group, Ltd. ("Jones Group"), also operates a cable television system brokerage firm. Intercable owns the remaining 20% interest in Jones Group. The cable television system brokerage business involves the brokering of the purchase and sale of cable television systems, primarily as representative or agent for 2 3 persons interested in buying and selling cable television systems. A system broker generally maintains ongoing contacts with owners and prospective buyers of cable television systems, conducts marketing and demographic analysis. The brokerage business is dependent upon, among other things, the number of acquisitions and sales of cable television systems in the marketplace and the purchase prices therefor. The brokerage business is highly competitive, and Jones Group primarily earns fees for the brokerage of cable systems purchased or sold by Spacelink, Intercable and affiliated partnerships. Spacelink, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Jones Futurex, Inc. ("Futurex"), is engaged in the manufacture and marketing of data encryption products and contract manufacturing services. See Item 1, Business of Jones Futurex, Inc. Spacelink owns an 81% interest in Jones Galactic Radio, Inc. ("Galactic"), with the remaining 19% interest owned by Intercable. Galactic owns Jones Satellite Networks, Inc., which is in the business of delivering radio programming to approximately 825 unaffiliated radio stations throughout the United States via satellite. This business generates revenues from the sale of advertising time and the sale of formatted programming to the radio stations. In addition, Spacelink, through Superaudio (a joint venture between Jones Galactic Radio Partners, Inc., a subsidiary of Galactic, and Tempo Sound, Inc., a subsidiary of International Cablecasting Technologies, Inc., an unaffiliated corporation), offers a nine-channel, 24-hour-a-day FM stereo audio service, transmitting six popular audio formats including classical, jazz, pop and easy listening, comedy and news and a reading service format for the visually impaired to cable television system subscribers. As of May 31, 1994, Superaudio provided audio programming to approximately 275 cable television systems serving over six million subscribers. See Item 1, Businesses of Jones Galactic Radio, Inc. Spacelink owns an 81% interest in Jones Earth Segment, Inc. ("Earth Segment). Earth Segment owns and operates a ground-to- satellite transmission ("uplink") facility, which currently uplinks programming originated by Mind Extension University, Inc., Jones Infomercial Neworks, Inc., Jones Satellite Networks, Inc. and Superaudio. Mr. Jones owns the remaining 19% interest. In addition to its ownership interests in Intercable, Jones Group, Futurex, Galactic and Earth Segment, Spacelink has other subsidiaries. Spacelink's wholly owned active subsidiaries include Jones Spacelink Cable Corporation, Jones Spacelink Funds, Inc. and Jones Spacelink of Hawaii, Inc. Spacelink serves as the general partner of Jones Spacelink Income/Growth Fund 1-A, Ltd., a managed public limited partnership; and Jones Spacelink Cable Corporation serves as managing general partner of Jones Growth Partners L.P. and is the sole general partner of Jones Growth Partners II L.P., both managed public limited partnerships. Jones Spacelink Funds, Inc. serves as the general partner of four managed private partnerships: Spacelink Fund 3, Ltd., Jones Spacelink Fund 4, Ltd., Jones Spacelink Fund 5, Ltd. and Jones Spacelink Income Partners 87-1, L.P. All of these partnerships own cable television systems that are operated by Spacelink and certain of its affiliates. Jones Spacelink Income/Growth Fund 1-A, Ltd., Jones 3 4 Growth Partners L.P. and Jones Growth Partners II L.P. are publicly held entities, subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Certain additional information about, and exhibits related specifically to, these partnerships can be found in their reports filed under such Act. At May 31, 1994, Spacelink had approximately 610 employees, and Intercable had approximately 2,850 employees. The executive offices of Spacelink are located at 9697 East Mineral Avenue, Englewood, Colorado 80112, and its telephone number is (303) 792-9191. Spacelink's Class A Common Stock is quoted on the NASDAQ National Market System under the symbol SPLKA. THE CABLE TELEVISION INDUSTRY The cable television industry developed in the late 1940s and early 1950s in response to the needs of residents in predominantly rural and mountainous areas of the country where the quality of television reception was inadequate because of geographic location, surrounding terrain, man-made structures or the curvature of the earth. During recent decades, cable television systems have also been constructed in suburban areas and larger cities where signal interference problems or limited availability of channels created a desire for better reception and expanded service. Television reception is substantially improved by cable television because of its insulation from outside interference. The cable television industry, which started as a technical solution to the problem of delivering television signals to remote areas of rural America, has now become an entertainment staple in a majority of American homes. It is a dynamic, evolving and ever more complex industry. Cable penetration, or the percentage of U.S. television households that subscribe to cable television, now stands at approximately 63%. It is anticipated that national penetration of cable television will increase in the 1990s as the value of cable television is enhanced by additional entertainment programming choices, such as exclusive coverage of sporting events, and educational programs. A cable television system is a facility that receives satellite, broadcast and FM radio signals by means of high antennas, a microwave relay service or earth stations, amplifies the signals and distributes them by coaxial and/or fiber-optic cable to the premises of its subscribers, who pay a fee for the service. A cable television system may also originate its own programming for distribution through the cable. The physical plant of a cable television system consists of four principal operating components. The first, known as the "headend" facility, receives television and radio signals with microwave relay systems, special antennae and satellite earth stations. The second component, the distribution network, originating at the headend and extending throughout the system, consists of coaxial and/or fiber-optic cables placed on poles or buried underground, and associated electronic equipment. The third component of the system is a "drop cable" that extends from the distribution network into the subscriber's home and connects to the 4 5 subscriber's television set. The fourth component, a converter, is the home terminal device necessary to expand channel capacity to permit reception of more than twelve channels. SYSTEM OPERATIONS. Cable television system operations are generally conducted pursuant to the terms of a franchise or similar license granted by a state agency or by the local governing body for the area to be served. Franchises generally are granted on a non-exclusive basis for a period of 5 to 15 years. Joint use or pole rental agreements are normally entered into with electric and/or telephone utilities serving a cable television system's area and annual rentals generally range from $2 to $10 for each pole used. These rates may increase due to inflation in the future. See Item 1, Franchises, Competition, and Regulation and Legislation. PROGRAMMING. Cable television systems generally offer various types of programming, which include basic service, tier service, premium services, pay-per-view programs and packages including several of these services at combined rates. Basic cable television service usually consists of signals of all four national television networks, various independent and educational television stations (both VHF and UHF) and certain signals received from satellites and also usually includes programs originated locally by the system, which may consist of music, news, weather reports, stock market and financial information and live or videotaped programs of a public service or entertainment nature. FM radio signals are also frequently distributed to subscribers as part of the basic service. The Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (the "1992 Cable Act") contains new broadcast signal carriage requirements, and the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") has adopted regulations implementing these statutory carriage requirements. These new rules allow local commercial broadcast television stations to elect whether to demand that a cable system carry its signal ("must carry") or to require the cable system to negotiate with the station for "retransmission consent." If a local commercial broadcast television station required the cable system to negotiate with the station for retransmission consent, and the cable system was unable to obtain retransmission consent, the cable system would not be permitted to continue carriage of such station after October 6, 1993. No broadcast stations carried on Spacelink-owned cable television systems that elected retransmission consent withheld consent to the retransmission of their signals. However, certain of these broadcast stations were carried after the deadline pursuant to temporary extensions of retransmission consent authority provided by the stations. Spacelink has concluded retransmission negotiations with all of these stations without having to terminate the carriage of any signal. See Item 1, Regulation and Legislation, Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992. In most systems, tier services are also offered on an optional basis to subscribers. Those channels generally include leading- edge programming or high-cost sporting events such as Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN), Cable News Network (CNN), Headline News and Turner Network Television (TNT). Systems also offer a package that includes the basic service channels and the tier services. 5 6 Cable television systems also offer premium services to their subscribers, which consist of feature films, sporting events and other special features that are presented without commercial interruption. The cable television operator buys premium programming from suppliers such as HBO, Showtime, Cinemax or others at a cost based on the number of subscribers served by the cable operator. Premium service programming usually is significantly more expensive for the system operator than the basic service or tier service programming, and consequently the system operator prices premium service separately when sold to subscribers. New cable television services have been developed and introduced over time since the inception of the cable television industry. One relatively new service currently being marketed by many cable television operators is pay-per-view programming. Pay-per-view is a service that allows subscribers to receive single programs, frequently consisting of motion pictures that have recently completed their theatrical exhibitions and major sporting events, and to pay for such service on a program-by-program basis. In order to offer pay-per-view in an efficient manner, it is desirable to have addressable converters in subscribers' homes. The availability of any of these services and the ability to deliver these services is dependent upon many factors, including the channel capacity of any cable television system, technical feasibility and the like. SYSTEM REVENUES. Monthly service fees for basic, tier and premium services constitute the major source of revenue for cable television systems. A subscriber to a cable television system generally pays an initial connection charge and a fixed monthly fee for basic service. The amount of the monthly service fee varies from one area to another, and historically has been a function, in part, of the number of channels and services included in the service package and the cost of such services to the cable television system operator. In most instances, a separate monthly fee for each premium service and certain other specific programming is charged to subscribers, with discounts generally available to subscribers receiving multiple premium services. Cable television operators have been able to generate additional revenue through the sale of commercial spots and channel space to advertisers. As with other forms of advertising, the cable television operator receives a fee from the advertisers that is based on the volume of advertising and the time of the day at which it is broadcast. Advertising, as well as fees generated by newer types of programming, such as home shopping and pay-per-view, represent potential additional sources of revenue for cable television systems. These services will not be regulated under the 1992 Cable Act, and therefore may be of greater significance to cable operators in the future. The ability of a cable operator to price its services based on these factors was a function of the fact that as of January 1, 1987, rates charged by cable television operators for basic service had been deregulated for approximately 90% of all cable television systems, as a result of the passage of the Cable Act of 1984. In October of 1992, however, Congress enacted the 1992 Cable Act. The 1992 Cable Act allows for a greater degree of regulation of the cable television industry, including rate regulation. Under the 1992 Cable Act's definition of "effective competition," nearly all cable systems in the United States, including those owned by 6 7 Intercable, Spacelink and their managed partnerships, are again subject to rate regulation with respect to basic cable services. In addition, the FCC is permitted to regulate rates for non-basic service tiers other than premium services, in response to complaints filed by franchising authorities and/or cable subscribers, The rate regulations adopted by the FCC, which became effective September 1, 1993, provide for a benchmark and price cap system that will be used to regulate basic and non-basic service rates, and cost-of-service showings will be available to cable operators to allow them to justify rates above benchmark levels. Spacelink reduced service rates for basic and tier services in its owned and managed systems as required effective September 1, 1993. Spacelink has been negatively impacted by this reduction. The reduction resulted in a decrease in operating revenues in those systems which was somewhat mitigated by increases in revenues from premium service, pay-per-view and advertising sales. On February 22, 1994, the FCC adopted several rate orders including an order which revised its benchmark regulatory scheme. The FCC's new regulations will generally require rate reductions of 17% of September 30, 1992 rates, absent a successful cost-of-service showing. The new regulations became effective on May 15, 1994. Spacelink complied with the new benchmark regulations and reduced rates in its cable television systems. Certain of Spacelink's systems were negatively impacted by this new round of rate reductions. See Item 1, Regulation and Legislation and Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation. INDUSTRY GROWTH. Based upon information obtained by Spacelink from industry sources, Spacelink believes that the following table demonstrates the growth of the cable television industry in the United States for the periods indicated:
Approximate Percentage Approximate Number of TV Households With End of Year of Basic Subscribers(1) Basic Cable Service(2) - ----------- ----------------------- ---------------------- 1982 29,340,570 35% 1983 34,113,790 41% 1984 37,290,870 44% 1985 39,872,250 46% 1986 42,237,140 48% 1987 44,970,880 51% 1988 48,636,520 54% 1989 52,564,470 57% 1990 54,871,330 59% 1991 55,786,390 61% 1992 57,211,600 62% 1993 58,834,440 63%
- --------------- (1) The number of basic subscribers is computed by dividing the sum of total individual-dwelling subscribers and total revenues from bulk-rate subscribers by the standard basic service rate. 7 8 (2) The percentage is computed by dividing the number of basic subscribers by the number of TV households in the United States (94,135,104 TV households in 1993). BUSINESS OF JONES FUTUREX, INC. Futurex is engaged in the business of manufacturing and marketing information security products and providing contract manufacturing services. Futurex has been in the information security business since 1981. Initially, Futurex applied encryption techniques to satellite transmissions for the protection of cable television signals and subsequently applied its expertise to PC- based requirements. The encryption business of Futurex developed in response to the vulnerability of computer systems. In the data delivery business, the information passed from point to point often needs to be protected from theft. The encryption and authentication products developed by Futurex offer such protection. Since 1981, Futurex has been developing, manufacturing and marketing security products that provide encrypt/decrypt and message authentication capabilities for remote-site personal computers, such as the IBM PC and the IBM PS/2 and similar IBM compatible devices. The encryption systems market is defined as the sale of products that scramble data transmission prior to dispatch and decrypt the data back to its plain text form at the receiving terminal. "Encryption" converts regular computer data into meaningless data; "decryption" converts ciphered data back into regular computer data. Cryptographic protection of such information as funds transfer, securities transactions, health records, tax information, geological studies, financial data and personnel records are being mandated by security-conscious organizations. Growth of the industry is dependent upon the public's perception of risk and awareness of computer and communications security. The computer security market is composed of many types of products of varying degrees of complexity, technology and intricacy, including computer security consultants, mainframe and PC software, physical locks to prevent computer thefts, microwave shielding and personal ID tools and devices. Futurex markets to the personal computer high security segment, which includes interbank electronic transfers of funds and personal computers. Because electronic banking and personal computers are the primary market and applications for Futurex products, continued growth in PCs and electronic banking is necessary to fuel growth in the existing Futurex security products. Futurex computer hardware products use the digital encryption standard ("DES"), which is a publicly available set of algorithms developed by IBM to encrypt or encode data and text. These DES algorithms are built into encryption microchips and computer software programs and are also used in all Futurex hardware products. The DES is used widely in both government and the private sector to protect data transmitted between or stored in computers. The best way to protect data against unauthorized modification and disclosure in an open environment is to cryptographically protect it using standard techniques like those specified in 8 9 the DES. Among other uses, the DES algorithm has been adopted by the American National Standards Institute and the American Bankers Association for protecting transfers of funds and securities over communications lines, a process known as electronic funds transfer. The Futurex Encryptor(C) product line has various models of hardware and software that encrypt, decrypt and authenticate data stored in and communicated between microcomputers. The Encryptor(C) products with the DES algorithms consist of printed circuit boards containing a key storage system that can be inserted into the additional functionality "slots" of microcomputers and related software. A user of a microcomputer equipped with an Encryptor(C) board must have access to a pre-programmed keyphrase in connection with an encryption procedure. Once a file or message is encrypted, it can be decrypted only by a user having knowledge of the keyphrase. The Encryptor(C) products are designed so that a keyphrase is entered into a microcomputer, or a keyphrase changed without being displayed so that the keyphrase cannot be inadvertently displayed to an unauthorized user. When encrypted messages are communicated between microcomputers or between microcomputers and mainframe computers, the keyphrase must be conveyed to the intended recipient of the message independent of the data in order to maintain the security of the communication link. The Encryptor(C) products provide a sophisticated approach to security and keyphrase protection. In contrast to the password system used in typical software-only security products, the Futurex Encryptor(C) uses a keyphrase kept in the system, which offers certain product advantages. The keyphrase does not merely allow entrance into the encryption process as with most software-only product passwords, but the keyphrase also functions as an integral part of the encryption process and formula. The hardware-based Encryptor(C) product is much faster to use and more secure than software-only based products. For high-level security, the keyphrase stored in the hardware cannot be read from the data storage files or software programs. The Futurex Encryptor(C) products also have a tamper-resistant feature to prevent reading the keyphrases from the hardware. For example, the electronic components that store the keys are housed in a steel enclosure that prevents an intruder from probing, reading the keys or removing the board from the computer with keys intact. All of the Futurex Encryptor(C) hardware boards require accompanying software. Each board is supported by a software package that functions with the IBM personal computer and IBM compatible computers, and is delivered to the customer by delivery of a diskette. In addition to encryption, some Futurex Encryptor(C) products generate message authentication codes ("MACs"). MACs are unique codes that are appended to the message being transmitted which insure the integrity of the message and authenticate the originator. The receiver of the message generates the same MAC and verifies the message has not been altered. The use of MACs does not involve encryption of the data being transmitted but is simply a means of verifying the integrity of messages or establishing the receipt of the communication without alteration and authenticating the sender of the message. The MAC process uses the DES algorithm to generate each MAC code, assuring the security of the MAC code generating process. Futurex is one of several companies that have received certification 9 10 of MAC products by the U.S. Treasury Department. Several other companies, including IBM, have developed MAC products similar to the MAC products designed by Futurex. Futurex spends funds on engineering to help provide assurance against any major technical change that would tend to make Futurex encryption technology obsolete. It is anticipated that changes in the encryption algorithm standards would be built into a electronic chip component that provides the encryption process for the Futurex computer products and that this chip would be available from encryption chip manufacturers. In this dynamic and highly technical market, changes in computers likely will also require changes in Futurex products. Although it is difficult to predict future requirements of new personal computer generations, it is expected that the additional product requirements for new computers will have many basic similarities to existing products. The vast majority of Futurex Encryptor(C) boards and accompanying software products have been sold to the Federal Reserve Districts for encryption of electronic funds transfers between the twelve Federal Reserve Districts and their member banks, and between the twelve Federal Reserve Districts directly. The Federal Reserve System is the leader in using encryption for banking applications and thus it tends to set unofficial standards for the entire banking industry. Certain member banks of the Federal Reserve System have purchased comparable encryption products from a competitor, but Futurex believes its products and its experience have enabled it to maintain its market share with the Federal Reserve System. Futurex also has established a relationship with several large commercial banks, although to date these banks have purchased only small quantities of Futurex encryption boards and accompanying software products. The Futurex encryption products have application to commercial banking communication systems outside of the Federal Reserve banking system, but the current financial condition of the banking industry and the lack of a perceived need for security products have resulted in very slow implementation of commercial bank encryption and MAC security systems. Market growth is expected as more banks realize the need for the enhanced communication techniques and accounting controls available with MAC, and this growth is expected to evolve as banks install new computer systems or new control systems. Dramatic growth in commercial banking applications of security systems will likely not occur until substantial improvement has occurred in the overall financial health and stability of the banking industry. In March 1994, Futurex purchased from an unaffiliated party substantially all of the tangible and intangible assets comprising the Excrypt product lines for a net purchase price of $843,000. Futurex acquired all rights to the Excrypt line of data security products for Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Point-of-Sale (POS) networks. The Excrypt product line is comprised of banking industry hardware which addresses Personal Identification Number (PIN), security including PIN verification, translation and generation for networks of ATMs. The Excrypt products complement the current data encryption offerings which allow Futurex to provide banking clients with a full array of security services for their retail operations. 10 11 Futurex products also have numerous applications in non-banking markets for secure communication links, such as transactions between offices, between product users and suppliers, and to secure file data at a headquarters or at a remote site. As industry moves towards electronic order processing and payments, the demand for communications security products should increase. On June 5, 1992, Futurex purchased from TRW Electronic Products Inc. ("EPI") and TRW Inc. ("TRW") substantially all of the assets, properties and rights held by EPI or TRW that relate to the manufacture of facsimile encryption devices ("fax Encryptors(C)40") for the commercial communications security business. EPI and TRW also entered into a covenant not to compete. Futurex believes that facsimile security is of increasing concern in the commercial sector, especially as the risk of interception becomes more widely acknowledged. As a result, the market for encryption and related security devices could increase in future years. When two fax Encryptors(C) are used in tandem, they authenticate each other's identity before sending or receiving a communication, and encrypt and then decode the communication sent. This process ensures that a facsimile communication is sent only to the authorized destination. Moreover, the random key used to encrypt the communication (which is transmitted to the receiving machine automatically, thereby eliminating the need for manual delivery) results in a communication that is effectively impossible to decode if intercepted. In addition to the DES algorithm which is used for domestic fax encryption applications, the fax Encryptor(C) uses a proprietary algorithm developed by TRW and purchased by Futurex with the fax encryption business for export applications. This algorithm has been approved for export by the National Security Agency and also has application in Futurex encryption products for export. The fax Encryptor(C) uses a patented key management system which was purchased by Futurex from TRW for domestic and export sale. Futurex markets its fax Encryptors(C) domestically and internationally through a network of authorized dealers. Facsimile technology is classified by generation or "Group." For example, the Group 1 faxes were introduced in the late 1960s, and Group 3 was introduced in the mid-1970s. A Group 4 standard has now been defined, and faxes with a dual Group 3/Group 4 capability are available commercially. Futurex's fax Encryptors(C) are compatible with all Group 3 facsimile machines and use standard telephone lines and modular jack connections. Futurex believes that the conversion to Group 4 machines will be slow because there is an installed base of over 5,000,000 Group 3 machines that are only a few years old. These machines are not likely to be replaced until their working life ends. Group 4 is dependent upon a data network being implemented by the telephone companies that is not widely available. Futurex believes that the advent of Group 4 machines should not impact its fax Encryptors(C) for a number of years and that its current product development will permit it to be in position to serve Group 4 machines. These products are sold using an in-house sales force and a worldwide distributor network. There are several other vendors that offer fax encryption units. Two large competitors, AT&T and Motorola, offer a broad product range in the secure telephone unit family, but the units are only compatible with faxes having a special port (digital faxes). Several smaller 11 12 companies offer fax Encryptors(C) with various features. Futurex believes its products are competitive with all of these products. The new Futurex Sentry product line includes link encryptors and encrypting modems to protect sensitive data communicated over public lines. The market for remote access solutions is rapidly expanding, with mobile computer users requiring access to their home office systems. Security for these remote access links has become a top priority. The portable Futurex sentry products address this industry need by offering affordable encryption to protect the sensitive information passed over the line and to act as an access control barrier for dial-in lines. To enhance its presence in the information security business, Futurex has also leveraged its expertise in computers, encryption and systems engineering to provide customized solutions. Futurex has successfully provided solutions with software, firmware, and/or hardware development. Utilizing some of the existing equipment and in-house technical resources, Futurex made the decision to expand into the electronic manufacturing services field. Original equipment manufacturers ("OEM") that have electronic products or wish to develop a specialized version of an existing product bring their plan to Futurex to be designed, tested and assembled using both SMT (surface mount technology) and PTH (pin through hole) technology. SMT is an assembly technology which allows electronic designers to reduce circuit board size, allowing for further miniaturization of electronics products. Using Futurex's engineers and facilities is often faster and more cost effective than if the OEM company were to staff and equip its own electronic development and manufacturing facility. Some of the OEM companies served are in the computer peripheral, communications, medical equipment and scientific instrumentation industries. BUSINESSES OF JONES GALACTIC RADIO, INC. Galactic is engaged in two separate but related businesses. Galactic, through Jones Satellite Networks, Inc., is in the business of delivering via satellite high quality formatted radio programming including on-air disc jockey talent to approximately 825 unaffiliated radio stations throughout the United States. Galactic originates the radio formats from studios located in Englewood, Colorado and Washington, D.C. Galactic currently provides six music formats and conducts research on each of its formats so that the music mix will appeal to its intended market. In addition, Galactic also provides a sports talk format. Satellite Music Network ("SMN") and Unistar are the two primary competitors of Galactic, delivering programming via satellite to a total of approximately 1,800 stations. SMN and Unistar revenues are principally generated from sales of advertising time, whereas historically Galactic's revenues were principally generated from the sale of programming to radio stations. In January 1994, Galactic began selling and inserting advertising on all its radio formats. In exchange for allowing Galactic to air the advertising, the radio station affiliates are, in most cases, charged no monthly fee, or a significantly reduced fee for the service. Prior to January 1994, these affiliate fees accounted for virtually all of Jones Satellite Network's revenues. 12 13 Galactic, through Superaudio, is also engaged in the business of providing stereo audio programming to cable television system basic subscribers. Superaudio is currently the only entity providing multi-channel basic cable radio services. Superaudio offers a nine-channel, 24-hour-a-day FM stereo audio service, transmitting six popular audio music formats including classical, jazz, pop and easy listening, comedy and news. As of May 31, 1994, Superaudio provided audio programming to approximately 300 cable television systems serving approximately 6.2 million subscribers. Superaudio derives its revenues from system affiliation fees paid by the cable systems, which currently average 3c. per subscriber per month. Operating expenses attributable to Superaudio include the costs associated with marketing and selling the service, and the transponder lease fees paid an affiliate for the satellite that provides the Superaudio programming to cable television systems. Radio delivered via cable is still a nascent industry. For many years, standard FM stations have been available as part of basic cable service on some cable systems. In 1987, Tempo Sound and Galactic (see Item 1, General for a description of Tempo Sound and Galactic) developed enhanced radio-type services. Tempo Sound provided six music channels, while Galactic, in its original form, offered four radio superstations in addition to six music formats. Both Tempo Sound and Galactic were available free to cable television subscribers, with the cable television system operator paying a fee per subscriber. Galactic and Tempo Sound have now combined their operations, providing a single basic cable radio service. The growth of the business of Superaudio has been slowed by the launching of premium or digital audio services which provide a higher quality digital broadcast. Two companies currently offer premium cable audio services that deliver CD-quality sound. General Instrument's Jerrold Division offers digital cable radio (DCR), and International Cablecasting Technology, Inc., the parent company of Tempo Sound, offers Digital Music Express (DMX). These services offer cable subscribers choices of commercial- free music formats, simulcasting of cable network audio, event music programming and over-the-air radio stations. Another potential hurdle to the growth of Superaudio is consumer reluctance to the installation of coaxial cable inside the house to the stereo receiver when it is not located in close proximity to the television set. In addition, Superaudio does not currently have the localism that is normally attributable to over-the-air radio programming, and the non-local image may affect sales efforts. Of course, the availability of over-the-air radio also diminishes the competitiveness of cable audio programming. As a result of the above pressures on Superaudio's revenues, management has aggressively reduced certain operating costs of Superaudio and anticipates that even in the current environment of flat or slightly increasing revenues, Superaudio will continue to be profitable and to position itself for future growth. SPACELINK'S CABLE TELEVISION BUSINESS 13 14 Spacelink currently operates cable television systems for itself and for private and public limited partnerships. Acquisitions by Spacelink for its own account generally have been financed by borrowings from commercial banks. Acquisitions by Spacelink's managed entities have been financed through borrowings from commercial banks and the proceeds from private and public offerings of equity interests. The last partnership formed by Spacelink was in March 1991, and Spacelink is not currently offering any equity interests in private or public limited partnerships. From time to time, Spacelink and its managed entities also have sold certain of their cable television systems. Within the past several years, and at an increasing pace recently, the cable television industry has seen much change. With recent announcements of alliances between cable industry companies and telephone, computer and software companies, Spacelink believes that the nature of the cable television business is changing from the traditional coaxial network delivering video entertainment to a more sophisticated, digital platform environment where cable systems could be capable of delivering the traditional programming as well as other services, including data, telephone and expanded educational and entertainment services on an interactive basis. As this convergence of various technologies progresses, it likely will require cable television companies to reevaluate their system architecture and to upgrade their cable plants if they want to take advantage of the new opportunities for revenue and growth that are expected to result. While Spacelink is, on an ongoing basis, evaluating its position in this changing marketplace, it has entered into an agreement with Intercable to sell substantially all of its assets to Intercable, although there can be no assurance that this transaction will be consummated. See Item 1, Proposed Acquisition of Spacelink. With respect to the systems owned by Spacelink and its subsidiaries, Spacelink earns revenues through monthly service rates and related charges to cable television subscribers. Spacelink's subscribers have the option to choose a limited basic service consisting generally of broadcast stations and a few cable networks ("basic" service) or a package of services consisting of basic service and tier services ("basic plus" service). The tier service generally consists of most of the cable networks, including ESPN, USA Network, CNN, Discovery, Lifetime and others. See Item 1, The Cable Television Industry, Programming. The monthly service rates include fees for basic service, tier service and premium services. As of September 1, 1993, as a result of the requirements of the 1992 Cable Act, Spacelink's Systems' rate structures for cable programming services and equipment were revised. These rate structures were further revised in February 1994, as a result of the FCC's adoption of an order revising its benchmark regulatory scheme. See Item 1, Regulation and Legislation. At May 31, 1994, monthly basic service rates ranged from $6.31 to $11.60 for residential subscribers, monthly basic and tier ("basic plus") service rates ranged from $20.30 to $21.97 for residential subscribers, and monthly premium services ranged from $3.95 to $14.95 per premium service. Charges for additional outlets were eliminated, and charges for remote controls and converters were "unbundled" from the programming service rates. In addition, Spacelink earns revenues from pay-per-view programs. Pay-per-view programs, which usually are either unique sporting events or recently released movies, are available on many of Spacelink's cable television systems. Subscribers are permitted to choose individual 14 15 movies for a set fee ranging from $1.95 to $4.95 per movie and individual special events for a set fee ranging from $5.95 to $39.95 per event. Related charges may include a nonrecurring installation fee that ranges from $7.90 to $35.00; however, from time to time Spacelink has followed the common industry practice of reducing the installation fee during promotional periods. Commercial subscribers such as hotels, motels and hospitals are charged a nonrecurring connection fee that usually covers the cost of installation. Except under the terms of certain contracts with commercial subscribers and residential apartment and condominium complexes, subscribers are free to discontinue the service at any time without penalty, and most terminations occur because a subscriber moves to another home or to another city. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 1994, of the total fees received by Spacelink-owned systems, basic and tier service fees accounted for approximately 68% of total revenues, premium service fees accounted for approximately 17% of total revenues and the remaining 15% of total revenues came from pay-per-view, advertising, equipment rental, installation and program guide revenues. Spacelink is dependent upon continuous monthly service charges to provide for maintenance and replacement of plant and equipment, current operating expenses and other costs. As the general partner of the managed limited partnerships, Spacelink earns management fees which are generally 5% of the gross revenues of the partnership, not including revenues from the sale of cable television systems or franchises. To the extent that partnership revenues decrease as a result of the implementation of rate regulation under the 1992 Cable Act, Spacelink's management fees will be reduced accordingly. See Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations. Spacelink also receives reimbursement from the partnerships for certain allocated overhead and administrative expenses incurred by Spacelink in its management activities. From time to time, Spacelink has made advances to certain of its managed limited partnerships and has deferred collection of management fees and expense reimbursements owed by certain of its managed limited partnerships to allow for expansion of a cable television system or other cash needs of such a partnership. Upon dissolution of a Spacelink-managed partnership or the sale or refinancing of its cable television systems, Spacelink is generally entitled to receive a percentage ranging from 15% to 40%, depending upon the particular partnership, of the net remaining assets of such partnership, after payment of partnership debts and after investors have received an amount equal to their capital contributions plus, in most cases, a stated preferential return on their investment. Pursuant to the terms of the various limited partnership agreements, Spacelink has full operational control of the management and day-to-day business of the partnerships. Spacelink historically has found that the cash flow of a particular cable television system and the long-term value of that system can be increased as a result of (i) the addition of new subscribers through increased market penetration, (ii) the building of extensions to reach new potential subscribers in the franchise area, (iii) the addition of new programming services or products, and (iv) periodic rate adjustments. Increases in subscribers usually result from specific marketing efforts undertaken by a cable system operator within the community, which may include telephone solicitation, particular program promotions, direct mailings, increased advertising or other means. A cable operator also can build extensions to systems, which 15 16 increase the number of homes passed by the cable system and the number of potential subscribers, and thereby increase potential revenue from additional subscriber fees. The building of extensions to cable television systems usually occurs due to the development within the system's franchise area of a new housing area adjacent to areas then served by the system or the availability of a franchise for an area adjacent to the current franchise area. In addition, increased revenues may be generated from the offering of additional services to subscribers. New cable services have been developed and introduced since the inception of the cable television industry, and new cable services are expected to continue to develop. These could include new premium services offering particular kinds of movies, sporting events or the like. Finally, additional revenue and long-term value may be realized by periodic adjustments in subscriber rates. No assurance can be given that Spacelink will be able to increase the cash flow of any particular cable television system or the value of that system by any of the methods described above, and the rate regulations under the 1992 Cable Act limit the amount of any rate increases with respect to regulated services Spacelink will be able to implement in the future. Increases in cash flow, as well as increases in long-term value, of a cable television system can also be realized through cost efficiencies. Because Intercable manages numerous cable television systems for itself and affiliated entities, Spacelink's cable television systems, through their association with Intercable, generally benefit from a reduction in certain costs associated with operations. Spacelink, through its association with Intercable, is able to purchase programming services and cable system equipment at lower prices than would otherwise be available due to the volume of business that Spacelink and its affiliates, including Intercable, conduct with such suppliers and vendors. In addition, Spacelink and Intercable have developed over time certain centralized operating and marketing systems that are made available to the cable television systems owned by Spacelink, its managed partnerships and other affiliates. While Spacelink will seek additional cost efficiencies in its cable television properties, no assurance can be given that it will be able to do so, or that any increase in cash flow or value will result therefrom. Spacelink's cable television business consists of providing cable television services to a large number of customers, the loss of any one or more of which would have no material effect on Spacelink's business. Each of the cable television systems owned or operated by Spacelink has had some subscribers who later terminated the service. Terminations occur primarily because people move to another home or to another city. In other cases, people terminate on a seasonal basis or because they no longer can afford or are dissatisfied with the service. The amount of past due accounts in systems owned or operated by Spacelink is not significant. Spacelink's policy with regard to these accounts is basically one of disconnecting service before a past due account becomes material. Spacelink's cable television business does not depend to any material extent on the availability of raw materials, it carries no significant amounts of inventory and it has no material backlog of customer orders. Spacelink has engaged in research and development activities relating to the provision of new cable television services but the amount of funds expended for such research and development has never been material. Compliance with Federal, state and local provisions that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge 16 17 of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment has had no material effect upon the capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position of Spacelink. At this time, Spacelink does not intend to actively seek cable television systems for its own account. See Item 1, Proposed Acquisition of Spacelink. CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS OWNED BY SPACELINK AND BY SPACELINK'S MANAGED PARTNERSHIPS At May 31, 1994, Spacelink managed 15 cable television systems, 11 of which, operating in 8 states, were owned by Spacelink-managed limited partnerships, and 4 of which, operating in 4 states, were owned by Spacelink. The Spacelink-owned cable television systems are located in Colorado, Florida, Hawaii and Wisconsin. Spacelink's current managed partnerships own cable television systems located in California, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin. The last such partnership was formed in March 1991. At May 31, 1994, Spacelink-owned systems served approximately 52,000 basic subscribers and 41,000 premium channel subscribers, and the systems held by the Spacelink-managed partnerships served approximately 109,000 basic subscribers and 75,000 pay units. (Each premium service subscribed to equals one pay unit.) Due primarily to the number of subscribers in systems owned or managed by Intercable, according to industry sources, Spacelink and Intercable together constitute one of the nation's largest multiple cable television system operators. PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF SPACELINK BY INTERCABLE On May 31, 1994, Spacelink and Intercable entered into an Exchange Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Liquidation (the "Spacelink Agreement") providing that, subject to receiving the approval of the shareholders of Spacelink and Intercable, Intercable will acquire from Spacelink substantially all of the assets of Spacelink (other than the 2,859,240 shares of Intercable's Common Stock presently held by Spacelink). Intercable has agreed to assume all the liabilities of Spacelink, as set forth in the Spacelink Agreement, other than liabilities with respect to dissenting shareholders. In exchange, Intercable will issue 4,100,000 shares of Intercable's Class A Stock, which shares shall be registered under the Securities Act of 1933. Pursuant to the Spacelink Agreement, Spacelink will liquidate and distribute its assets, including all of the shares of Intercable's Common Stock and Class A Common Stock held by Spacelink, to its shareholders. International has agreed that a portion of Intercable's Class A Common Stock that would have been received by it upon the dissolution of Spacelink will instead be reallocated to the other shareholders of Spacelink (the "Minority Shareholders"), excluding International, Glenn R. Jones and their subsidiaries (the "Reallocation"). After giving effect to the distribution made upon the liquidation of Spacelink and the Reallocation, and assuming the exercise of all outstanding Spacelink stock options, each non-dissenting Minority Shareholder will receive .09629 shares of Intercable's Class A Common Stock and .03567 shares of Intercable's Common Stock for each share of Spacelink held. Mr. Jones, International and the subsidiaries of International will receive, on a per-share basis, fewer 17 18 shares of Intercable's Class A Common Stock than the Minority Shareholders because of the Reallocation. The obligations of Spacelink and Intercable under the Spacelink Agreement are subject to the satisfaction or waiver by each such party, at or prior to closing, of several conditions. There is no assurance that this transaction will be consummated. INFORMATION ABOUT INTERCABLE'S BUSINESS ACTIVITIES Although Spacelink effectively controls Intercable through its stock ownership of Intercable, certain loan agreements of Intercable currently limit the amount of funds it may loan or advances to affiliates including Spacelink in the form of cash dividends or loans. As a result of these limitations, the net assets of Intercable are not available to Spacelink to fund its operating or capital resource needs. These limitations do not impair the ability of Spacelink to pledge its equity holdings in Intercable; however, any pledge by Spacelink of its equity holdings in Intercable is subject to the express approval of Spacelink's and Intercable's Chief Executive Officer, Glenn R. Jones, or his personal representative. For certain additional information about Intercable's business activities, see Intercable's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended May 31, 1994, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. ACQUISITION OF CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM BY INTERCABLE On January 28, 1993, Intercable entered into an agreement with American Cable TV Investors 2 ("ACT 2") (the "North Augusta Agreement") to acquire the cable television systems serving North Augusta, South Carolina and surrounding areas (the "North Augusta System") for $28,500,000, subject to normal closing adjustments. The North Augusta System is contiguous to the Augusta, Georgia cable system managed by Intercable on behalf of oneof its partnerships. As a result of the renegotiation of the North Augusta Agreement, the purchase price was reduced to $27,200,000, subject to normal closing adjustments. The transaction closed on December 15, 1993. Intercable paid Jones Group $680,000 for brokerage services related to this acquisition. See Item 13, Certain Transactions. SALE OF CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM BY INTERCABLE On January 7, 1994, Intercable entered into an agreement with Bresnan Communications Company ("Bresnan") to sell its Gaston County, North Carolina cable television system (the "Gaston System") to Bresnan for $36,500,000, subject to normal closing adjustments. Bresnan and Time Warner Cable, a division of Time Warner Entertainment, L.P. ("TWC"), have agreed to a like-kind exchange of assets whereby TWC would acquire the Gaston System from Bresnan and Bresnan would acquire from TWC the assets of certain cable television systems owned by TWC. On July 25, 1994, Intercable sold its Gaston System for the purchase price less normal closing adjustments. Intercable paid Jones Group a commission of 2 1/2% of the purchase price, or $912,500, in connection with brokering the sale of the Gaston System. Proceeds to Intercable from the sale of the Gaston System were used to pay amounts outstanding on Intercable's credit facility. 18 19 PROPOSED ACQUISITION BY BELL CANADA INTERNATIONAL INC. OF SHARES OF INTERCABLE'S CLASS A COMMON STOCK On December 2, 1993, Intercable and Bell Canada International Inc. ("BCI") entered into a letter of intent providing for an investment by BCI in Intercable in exchange for an approximate 30% equity interest in Intercable. From January 1994 through May 1994, Intercable and BCI negotiated definitive terms of their agreement. On March 25, 1994, BCI acquired from Intercable, pursuant to an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, 2,500,000 shares of Intercable's Class A Common Stock at $22.00 a share. This investment resulted in BCI owning approximately 13% of the issued and outstanding shares of Intercable, and Intercable received cash proceeds of $55,000,000. The proceeds to Intercable were used to repay outstanding indebtedness under Intercable's revolving credit facility. On May 31, 1994, BCI and Intercable entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the "BCI Agreement") providing for the sale by Intercable to BCI of 7,500,000 shares of Intercable's Class A Common Stock at $27.50 a share, which, when added to BCI's existing shareholdings in Intercable, will result in BCI owning 30% of the issued and outstanding shares of Intercable. The closing of the BCI Agreement will take place no later than ten business days after satisfaction of the conditions described in the BCI Agreement or December 31, 1994 (the "Closing"). At the Closing, BCI will deliver to Intercable the purchase price for the shares of Intercable's Class A Common Stock being purchased and Intercable will execute and deliver certain related agreements as provided by the BCI Agreement. BCI entered into the BCI Agreement with Intercable as part of a larger transaction whereby BCI would ultimately be able to gain control of Intercable through the acquisition of sufficient shares of Intercable's Common Stock to control Intercable's Board of Directors. Spacelink currently owns approximately 58% of Intercable's Common Stock, and International owns all of Spacelink's Class B Common Stock and approximately 79% of Spacelink's Class A Common Stock. Glenn R. Jones owns all of the outstanding shares of International. If the Spacelink Agreement is consummated, of which there can be no assurance, International and Mr. Jones will grant to BCI an option (the "Control Option") to purchase all of the shares of Intercable's Common Stock held, directly or indirectly, by them, in consideration of the payment by BCI to International and Mr. Jones of a non-refundable deposit of $19.00 for each share. The deposit is not deducted from the exercise price to be paid by BCI upon exercise of the Control Option. The Control Option may be exercised during any of the following periods: (i) the period commencing on the day Mr. Jones becomes incapacitated or dies; (ii) the period commencing on the day that Mr. Jones resigns as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Intercable; (iii) the period commencing on the day that BCI receives a written notice from International and Mr. Jones requesting that BCI exercise the Control Option; (iv) the period commencing on the seventh anniversary and ending on the eighth anniversary of the closing of the BCI Agreement; and (v) the period commencing on the day of a Jones bankruptcy event and ending 30 days after written notice thereof. 19 20 In the event that the Spacelink Agreement is not consummated, there will be no liquidation of Spacelink and no distribution of any shares of Intercable stock to the Spacelink shareholders. Instead, Spacelink will grant to BCI an option on the 2,859,240 shares of Intercable's Common Stock owned by Spacelink pursuant to the terms of an option agreement (the "BCI-Spacelink Option Agreement") in consideration of the payment by BCI to Spacelink of a non-refundable deposit of $19.00 a share. The option deposit will not offset amounts payable by BCI upon the exercise of the option. The option may be exercised during the same periods provided in the foregoing paragraph. If the BCI-Spacelink Option Agreement becomes effective, Spacelink and BCI will enter into a shareholders agreement providing, among other things, that Spacelink must refer to Intercable certain of its investment opportunities, including all opportunities to invest in cable television systems, wireline communications services in certain markets and broadband multi-media services in certain markets. Upon the closing of the BCI Agreement, BCI, International, Glenn R. Jones and Intercable will enter into the following related agreements: (i) a Shareholders Agreement providing for certain arrangements concerning the operation and governance of Intercable, certain rights of BCI to consent to corporate and business transactions, purchases of Intercable's capital stock in the open market, transfer restrictions, tag along rights and third party offers and provisions relating to the option granted by International and Mr. Jones to BCI; (ii) a Supply and Services Agreement pursuant to which BCI will provide Intercable with access to the expert advice of personnel from BCI and its affiliates for the equivalent of three man-years on an annual basis in consideration of the payment by Intercable of $2 million to BCI; (iii) a Secondment Agreement pursuant to which BCI will provide up to ten people to Intercable for a period which is the same as that of the Supply and Services Agreement. These persons, who must be approved by Intercable, will all be personnel of BCI or its affiliates who have experience in certain specific areas of operations and other aspects of BCI's business. INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENTS BY INTERCABLE AND ITS AFFILIATES United Kingdom. On July 22, 1994, Intercable and certain of its subsidiaries transferred all of their interests in their cable/telephony properties in the United Kingdom to Bell Cablemedia plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales ("Bell Cablemedia") in exchange for 6,035,648 American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") representing 30,178,240 Ordinary Shares of Bell Cablemedia. At the closing, Intercable transferred its equity interests in the companies that owned the Leeds, South Hertfordshire, Norwich, Peterborough, Broadland and Fenland franchises and Intercable's equity interest in and shareholder loans to ELT Acquisition Company Limited to Bell Cablemedia. Also on July 22, 1994, Jones Global Group, Inc., a corporation owed 38% by Intercable and 62% by International, a corporation that through its indirect shareholdings owns a controlling interest in certain of Jones Global Group Inc.'s subsidiaries (Jones Global Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries are herein collectively referred to as "Global Group"), also transferred all of their interests in their cable/telephony properties in the United Kingdom to Bell Cablemedia in exchange for 3,663,584 ADSs representing 18,317,920 Ordinary Shares of Bell Cablemedia, of which 1,100,000 ADSs representing 5,500,000 Ordinary Shares were sold on July 22, 1994 in 20 21 connection with Bell Cablemedia's initial public offering. At the closing, Global Group transferred its equity interests in the companies that owned the Leeds and Aylesbury-Chiltern franchises, its general partner interest in Jones United Kingdom Fund, Ltd. and the assets of its United Kingdom management subsidiary to Bell Cablemedia. As a result of these transactions, Intercable and Global Group no longer own any direct interest in cable/telephony properties in the United Kingdom; Intercable and Global Group do, however, own indirect interests in cable/telephony properties in the United Kingdom through their respective 9.7% and 4.2% ownership of Bell Cablemedia. Messrs. Glenn R. Jones, a director and officer of Intercable and Global Group, and Patrick J. Lombardi, a director of Intercable and a director and officer of Global Group, have become members of the board of directors of Bell Cablemedia. Prior to the closing of these transactions, Bell Cablemedia was indirectly owned 80% by BCI and 20% by Cable & Wireless plc ("C&W"). On June 10, 1994, Bell Cablemedia filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") in connection with the offerings in the United States and internationally of 12,000,000 ADSs by Bell Cablemedia and 1,100,000 ADSs by Global Group (the "ADS Offerings"). Bell Cablemedia also filed a registration statement with the SEC in connection with the offering of 11.95% Senior Discount Notes due 2004 (the "Notes Offering"). The ADS Offerings registration statement and the Notes Offering registration statement were both declared effective by the SEC on July 15, 1994. The ADS Offerings, which closed on July 22, 1994, provided net cash proceeds of approximately $184.4 million to Bell Cablemedia, and the Notes Offering, which also closed on July 22, 1994, provided net cash proceeds of approximately $263.1 million to Bell Cablemedia. The ADS offerings provided net cash proceeds of $17,547,888 to Global Group. The proceeds from the sale of the ADSs by Global Group are intended to allow it to satisfy expected U.S. and U.K. tax liabilities in connection with the transactions. The ADSs received by Intercable are "restricted securities" within the meaning of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), and Intercable will not be able to sell its ADSs unless an exemption from registration under the Securities Act is available or unless its ADSs are registered by a subsequent registration statement. Prior to Bell Cablemedia's initial public offering, there was no public market for its Ordinary Shares (in the form of ADSs or otherwise). The ADSs are now quoted on the NASDAQ National Market System under the symbol "BCMPY." Bell Cablemedia, BCI, C&W, Intercable and Global Group have agreed that, for a period of 180 days after July 15, 1994 (the date of the definitive prospectuses used in Bell Cablemedia's ADS Offerings), they will not sell or otherwise dispose of any ADSs or Ordinary Shares of Bell Cablemedia (except for those ADSs received by Global Group that were sold as part of the ADS Offerings) without the prior written consent of the lead U.S. underwriters of the ADS Offerings. Pursuant to the terms of a principal shareholders registration rights agreement, Bell Cablemedia has granted certain demand and piggy-back registration rights to BCI, C&W, Intercable and Global Group. With the exception of demand registration rights relating to the ADSs issued to C&W, Intercable and Global Group on July 22, 1994 in connection with the above-described transactions, which become 21 22 exercisable approximately three years from July 15, 1994, the registration rights granted by the principal shareholders registration rights agreement become exercisable 180 days following July 15, 1994. In all cases, however, the registration rights are subject to certain limitations, including the provision that demand registration rights may not be exercised within 90 days after the effective date of Bell Cablemedia's most recent registration statement. In addition, pursuant to the terms of a separate registration rights agreement, Bell Cablemedia has agreed to file promptly with the SEC a registration statement covering all of the ADSs received by Intercable and Global Group in connection with Bell Cablemedia's acquisition of the United Kingdom holdings of Intercable and Global Group (except for those ADSs received by Global Group that were sold as part of the ADS Offerings) and to keep such registration statement effective for a period of approximately three years from the closings of the ADS Offerings. Although they have no current plans to sell any of their ADSs, Intercable and Global Group anticipate that they will be able to sell their ADSs pursuant to this registration statement 180 days following July 15, 1994. After giving effect to Bell Cablemedia's acquisition of the United Kingdom holdings of Intercable and Global Group and the closings of the ADS Offerings on July 22, 1994, BCI indirectly owns approximately 42.2%, C&W indirectly owns approximately 12.8%, Intercable owns approximately 9.7% and Global Group owns approximately 4.2% of the issued and outstanding shares of Bell Cablemedia. Intercable and Global Group paid advisory fees of L.414,854 ($632,569) and L.251,812 ($383,963) to Jones Financial Group, Ltd., a subsidiary of International, for its services to Intercable in connection with the aforementioned transactions. BCI, C&W, Intercable and Global Group (Intercable and Global Group are herein collectively referred to as the "Jones Entities") have entered into a shareholders agreement relating to their holdings in Bell Cablemedia. The shareholders agreement provides in part that each of BCI, C&W and the Jones Entities is entitled (a) to nominate directors for election to Bell Cablemedia's board of directors according to its shareholdings in Bell Cablemedia; (b) to have one observer present at meetings of Bell Cablemedia's board of directors; (c) unless the board of directors determines otherwise, to be represented on committees of the board of directors and on the boards of directors of subsidiaries of Bell Cablemedia; and (d) to use its votes at general meetings in support of the election of such nominees as directors of Bell Cablemedia. The shareholders agreement also requires each of BCI, C&W and the Jones Entities, respectively, to offer any Ordinary Shares or ADSs of Bell Cablemedia which it wishes to sell to the others before selling to any third party. In addition, before purchasing Ordinary Shares or ADSs of Bell Cablemedia from any third party, each of BCI, C&W and the Jones Entities, respectively, are obliged to offer to purchase such Ordinary Shares or ADSs from the others. Except as otherwise provided by the shareholders agreement, BCI, C&W and the Jones Entities have preemptive rights to purchase newly issued Ordinary Shares or ADSs issued by Bell Cablemedia for cash. 22 23 Intercable has entered into a technical assistance agreement with Bell Cablemedia under which Intercable (or one of its affiliates) has agreed to provide to Bell Cablemedia consulting services, research and development resources, management services and technical assistance in relation to telecommunications services for the provider's direct costs plus an additional amount of 15% of such costs. The technical assistance agreement is terminable by either party at any time on three months' notice following the date upon which Intercable no longer has the right to nominate a director for election to the board of directors of Bell Cablemedia pursuant to the shareholders agreement. Bell Cablemedia has agreed to indemnify Intercable, Global Group and their affiliates in respect of all costs, expenses, losses, liabilities and damages suffered or incurred by them resulting from any untrue statement or omission contained in any registration statement or prospectus relating to the ADS Offerings or the Note Offerings other than costs, expenses, losses, liabilities and damages resulting from any information in such documents relating to Intercable, Global Group or their affiliates provided to Bell Cablemedia by Intercable, Global Group or their affiliates. Intercable, Global Group and their affiliates have agreed to indemnify Bell Cablemedia in respect of all costs, expenses, losses, liabilities and damages suffered or incurred by Bell Cablemedia resulting from any untrue statement or omission contained in any registration statement or prospectus relating to the ADS Offerings or the Note Offerings relating to Intercable, Global Group or their affiliates provided to Bell Cablemedia by Intercable, Global Group or their affiliates. Pursuant to a cross-indemnity agreement, Bell Cablemedia has agreed to indemnify Intercable for any amounts that Intercable may be called upon to pay in connection with certain performance bonds guaranteed by Intercable as a shareholder of ELT Acquisition Company Limited. Spain. Jones Spanish Holdings, Inc. ("Spanish Holdings"), an affiliate owned 38% by Intercable, and 62% by International, has explored cable television system acquisition, development and operation opportunities in Spain. During the fiscal year ended May 31, 1994, Intercable advanced approximately $769,300, and as of May 31, 1994, Intercable's aggregate advances in these activities in Spain was approximately $7,684,300. In June 1994, Jones Spanish Holdings, Inc. agreed to transfer all of its interests in its cable/telephony properties in Spain to Bell Cablemedia in exchange for 190,148 ADSs representing 950,740 Ordinary Shares of Bell Cablemedia. The closing of this transaction is expected to occur in September 1994. The ADSs to be received by Spanish Holdings will be restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, and Spanish Holdings will agree not to sell or otherwise dispose of any ADSs or Ordinary Shares of Bell Cablemedia for a period of 180 days after July 15, 1994. Spanish Holdings will be entitled to sell the ADSs received in connection with this transaction pursuant to the terms of the registration rights agreements discussed above.. INVESTMENT BY INTERCABLE IN MIND EXTENSION UNIVERSITY, INC. 23 24 During fiscal 1992 and 1993, Intercable invested $10,000,000 in Mind Extension University, Inc. ("ME/U"), an affiliated company that provides educational programming through affiliated and unaffiliated cable television systems, for 25% of the stock of ME/U, which also received certain advertising avails and administrative and marketing considerations from Intercable. The number of shares of Class A Common Stock of ME/U issued to Intercable was based on the average of two separate independent appraisals of ME/U. In fiscal 1991, Spacelink invested $3,135,000 in ME/U and received that number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock of ME/U then constituting 19% of such shares. In May 1993 and December 1993, the Board of Directors of Intercable approved a $10,000,000 advance and a $5,000,000 advance to ME/U on an as-needed basis. Of these advances, one-half will be converted into shares of Class A Common Stock of ME/U at a price per share equal to the value of such shares as established by the next equity investment in ME/U by an unaffiliated party. Any amount not converted into equity will earn interest at Intercable's weighted average cost of borrowing plus two percent. On May 3, 1994, the Board of Directors of Intercable approved an additional $5,000,000 advance to ME/U on an as needed basis. Any amount outstanding will earn interest at Intercable's weighted average cost of borrowing plus two percent. As of May 31, 1994, $758,300 of the $5,000,000 had been advanced, for an aggregate total indebtedness of ME/U to Intercable of $15,758,300, in addition to Intercable's $10,000,000 equity investment. CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISES The cable television systems owned or managed by Spacelink are constructed and operated under fixed-term franchises or other types of operating authorities (referred to collectively herein as "franchises") that are generally non-exclusive and are granted by state and/or local governmental authorities. Spacelink's franchises require that franchise fees ranging from 3% to 5% of gross revenues of the cable system be paid to the governmental authority that granted the franchise, that certain channels be dedicated to municipal use, that municipal facilities, hospitals and schools be provided cable service free of charge and that any new cable plant be substantially constructed within specific periods. During the next three to five years, the renewal process must commence for a significant number of the franchises for cable television systems owned or managed by Spacelink and its affiliates. To date, Spacelink has not experienced significant problems in renewing its franchises, nor does it currently expect to encounter significant problems in renewing its franchises in the future. As part of the renewal process, Spacelink may in some instances be required to provide additional services or incur capital expenditures for the system involved. See Item 2, Cable Television Systems Owned by Spacelink. Cable television franchises are not exclusive, so that more than one cable television system may be built in the same area (known as an "overbuild"), with potential loss of revenues to the operator of the original cable television system. Spacelink has experienced overbuilds in connection with certain systems that it has owned or managed for limited partnerships, and currently there is an overbuilder in Spacelink's Panama City Beach cable television system which has been able to attract a significant number of subscribers from Spacelink's system. Constructing and developing a cable television system is a capital intensive process and, 24 25 because most cable television systems provide essentially the same programming, it is often difficult for a new cable system operator to create a marketing edge over the existing system. Generally, an overbuilder also would be required to obtain franchises from the local governmental authorities, obtain programming contracts from entertainment programmers and, in most cases, would have to build a complete cable system, including headends, trunk lines and drops to individual subscribers homes, throughout the franchise areas. The overbuilder in the Panama City Beach cable television system currently provides significant competition. See Item 1, Competition for Subscribers in Spacelink's Systems. COMPETITION COMPETITION IN THE INDUSTRY. Cable television systems currently experience competition from several sources, but two technologies, Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service ("MMDS") systems, commonly called wireless cable systems, and Direct Broadcast Satellite ("DBS") systems, which distribute programming to home satellite dishes, pose the greatest potential threat to the cable television industry. MMDS systems will likely focus on providing service to residents of rural areas that are not served by cable television systems, but providers of programming via MMDS systems will generally have the potential to compete directly with cable television systems in urban areas as well, and in some areas of the country, MMDS systems are now in direct competition with cable television systems. To date, Spacelink has not lost a significant number of subscribers, nor a significant amount of revenue, to MMDS operators competing with Spacelink's cable television systems. However, given the fact that these are emerging services, the effect of competition from these technologies on the overall profitability of the cable television industry is difficult to predict at this time. While the MMDS industry is less capital intensive than the cable television industry, and it is therefore more practical to construct MMDS systems in areas of lower subscriber penetration, the previous unavailability of frequency spectrum, programming services and the regulatory delays encountered by MMDS systems in obtaining licenses have delayed the growth of the MMDS industry. Although the channel capacity of MMDS and DBS systems will be limited, it is expected that developments in compression technology will enable them to provide a sufficient number of channels that, while not comparable to the number of channels that will be provided by cable television systems using fiber-optic and compression technology, may nevertheless be attractive to subscribers. An emerging technology, Local Multipoint Distribution Service ("LMDS"), could also pose a significant threat to the cable television industry, if and when it becomes established. LMDS, sometimes referred to as cellular television, could have the capability of delivering approximately 50 channels, or if two systems were combined 100 channels, of video programming to a subscriber's home, which capacity could be increased by using video compression technology. The potential impact, however, of LMDS is difficult to assess due to the newness of the technology and the absence of any current fully operational LMDS systems. In addition to competing with one another, cable television systems compete with broadcast television, which consists of television signals that the viewer is able to receive directly on his television using his antenna ("off-air"). The extent of such competition is 25 26 dependent in part upon the quality and quantity of signals available by such antenna reception as compared to the services provided by the available cable systems. Accordingly, it has generally been less difficult to obtain higher penetration rates in areas where there is signal interference from surrounding mountains or where signals available off-air are limited, than in metropolitan areas where higher quality off-air signals are often available without the aid of cable television systems. Cable television systems also compete with translator and low power television stations. Translators receive broadcast signals and rebroadcast them on different frequencies at low power pursuant to an FCC license. Low power television stations increase the number of television signals in many areas of the country, and provide off-air television programs, either pay or advertiser-supported, to limited local areas. Cable television systems are also in competition, in various degrees, with other communications and entertainment media including motion pictures and home video cassette recorders, and are dependent upon the continued popularity of television itself. The construction of more powerful transmission facilities near a cable television system or an increase in the number of television signals in such an area also could have an adverse effect on revenues. Additional competition is present from private cable television systems known as Master Antenna Television (MATV) and Satellite Master Antenna Television (SMATV) serving multi-unit dwellings such as condominiums, apartment complexes, and private residential communities. These private cable systems may enter into exclusive agreements with apartment owners, condominium associations, and homeowners associations, which may preclude operators of franchised systems from serving residents of such private complexes. In 1991, the FCC made available a microwave service to SMATV systems which will facilitate the ability of private cable television systems to distribute video entertainment programming among several SMATV systems within a local area. Private cable systems that do not cross public rights of way or interconnect separately owned and managed buildings are free from the federal regulatory requirements imposed on franchised cable television operators. A number of states have enacted laws to afford operators of franchised cable television systems access to multi-unit dwellings, although some of these statutes have been successfully challenged in the courts. Although programming is currently available to the owners of backyard earth stations through conventional and medium-powered satellites, DBS operators propose to deliver premium channel services and specialized programming to subscribers by high-powered DBS satellites on a wide-scale basis, and two companies have begun operations in 1994. Subscribers will be able to receive DBS services virtually anywhere in the United States with a rooftop or wall-mounted antenna. In some instances, DBS systems may serve as a complement to cable television operations by enabling cable television operators to offer additional channels of programming without the construction of additional cable plant. Cable television systems may also serve as marketing agents for DBS operators. DBS companies intend to use video compression technology to increase the channel capacity of their satellite systems to provide a package of 26 27 movies, broadcast stations and other program services which are competitive with those of cable television systems. Current video compression technology has the capability of providing more than 100 channels of service over a single high-powered DBS satellite. Cable operators will also use video compression technology to increase the channel capacity of their systems. DBS companies may be able to offer new and highly specialized services using a national base of subscribers, but they may not be able to provide services that are of local interest to their subscribers nor maintain a local presence, which are advantages in developing and maintaining the interest of subscribers. Though DBS systems will sell national advertising, they will not be able to offer the local advertising availabilities that cable television systems can offer. The FCC has initiated a new interactive television service which will permit non-video transmission of information between an individual's home and entertainment and information service providers. This service will provide an alternative means for DBS systems and other video programming distributors, including television stations, to initiate new interactive television services. This service may also be used as well by the cable television industry. Although the cable industry does not currently provide two-way interactive service from its subscribers' homes to cable television offices, such services can be provided in the future. The ability to obtain access to programming and the availability of reception equipment at reasonable prices, among other factors, will determine whether DBS systems will be able to offer services that are competitive with those offered by cable television. Several manufacturers of television sets have developed a new technology called high-definition television ("HDTV"). This new system will permit television viewers to receive movie-quality pictures and sound. It is anticipated that VCRs and television sets capable of displaying HDTV formats will be on the market in the United States in the future. The proposed DBS systems will have the capacity to transmit HDTV programming to a new generation of home satellite antennas. HDTV programming will also be transmitted by fiber optic cables and coaxial cable television systems, with some modifications. At the present state of development, HDTV transmissions cannot be made by conventional television stations, and therefore HDTV services will introduce a new delivery medium, although some manufacturers may develop an interim HDTV system which can be viewed over current television receivers. Certain multiple system cable operators, including Spacelink, and telephone companies, have implemented fiber optic transmission technology in some service areas and are studying the implementation of HDTV technology. After the FCC chooses a standard HDTV format, it can be expected the cable industry will develop the ability to transmit HDTV signals as HDTV technology becomes commercially feasible and as television broadcast stations and satellite services offer HDTV services. Spacelink cannot otherwise predict when or to what extent HDTV services will impact Spacelink's or its managed partnerships' systems or those of its competitors. Although Spacelink has not yet encountered competition from a telephone company entering into the cable television business, Spacelink's cable television systems could potentially face competition from telephone companies doing so. Federal law generally prohibits telephone companies from owning or operating cable television systems within their own service areas, although the FCC has recommended 27 28 modification of these restrictions and legislation is pending in Congress that would permit telephone companies in certain instances to provide video programming through separate subsidiaries. See Item 1, Regulation and Legislation, Ownership and Market Structure for a description of the potential participation of the telephone industry in the delivery of cable television services. Spacelink cannot predict at this time to what extent, if any, current restrictions will be modified to permit telephone companies to provide cable television services within their own service areas in competition with cable television systems. Participation of telephone companies as direct competitors or in competition for the acquisition of cable television systems could affect the profitability and market value of Spacelink's systems. If a telephone company were to become a direct competitor of Spacelink in an area served by a Spacelink system, Spacelink could be at a competitive disadvantage because of the relative financial strength of a telephone company compared to Spacelink. Such competition could also result in cable television systems providing the same types of services now provided by the telephone industry. The FCC has established a new wireless telecommunications service known as Personal Communications Service ("PCS"). It is envisioned that PCS would provide portable non-vehicular mobile communications services similar to that available from cellular telephone companies, but at a lower cost. PCS would be delivered by placing numerous microcells in a particular area to be covered, accessible to both residential and business customers. Because of the need to link the many microcells necessary to deliver this service economically, many parties are investigating integration of PCS with cable television operations. Several cable television multiple systems operators including Spacelink, among other parties, hold or have requested experimental licenses from the FCC to test PCS technology. POTENTIAL COMPETITION WITH INTERCABLE. Intercable also is engaged in the ownership and operation of cable television systems for itself and for managed limited partnerships that it and its subsidiaries have sponsored in the past. Intercable has entered into the Spacelink Agreement with Spacelink providing for the purchase by Intercable of substantially all of the assets of Spacelink. If the conditions to closing of the Spacelink Agreement are met or waived, Spacelink will be liquidated and dissolved. If, however, the Spacelink Agreement is not consummated, Spacelink will not be liquidated, but will enter into an option agreement with BCI. The option agreement provides, among other matters, that Spacelink will be required to refer to Intercable certain of its investment opportunities, including all opportunities to invest in cable television systems, wireline communications services in certain markets and broadband multi-media services in certain markets. See Item 1, Proposed Acquisition of Spacelink and Proposed Acquisition by Bell Canada International Inc. of Shares of Intercable's Class A Common Stock. In either event, it is not anticipated that Spacelink will provide any significant competition with Intercable. COMPETITION FOR SUBSCRIBERS IN SPACELINK'S SYSTEMS Spacelink owns the cable television systems serving Empire, Georgetown and Idaho Springs, Colorado (the "Clear Creek System"), Panama City Beach, Florida (the "Panama City Beach System") and Kenosha, Wisconsin (the "Kenosha System"). Jones Spacelink of Hawaii, Inc., a subsidiary of Spacelink, owns the cable television system serving subscribers in Hilo, Hawaii (the "Hilo System"). The 28 29 Clear Creek System, the Panama City Beach System, the Kenosha System and the Hilo System may hereinafter collectively be referred to as the "Systems." Following is a summary of the cable television, DBS MMDS, SMATV and TVRO operators in Spacelink's Systems: Clear Creek System: There are no MMDS or SMATV operators or TVRO operations in the Clear Creek System. Hilo System: There are no MMDS operators in the Hilo System at this time. There is one SMATV operator servicing one hotel and providing little competition. There are a few private satellite operators selling home dishes in the Hilo System service area, but they provide minimal competition. Kenosha System: There are no MMDS operators in the Kenosha System. There is one SMATV operator in a 800-unit apartment complex and no TVRO operations or marketing in the service area. DBS dealers in the Kenosha System area are anticipated to commence business in the fall of 1994. Panama City Beach System: There are no MMDS operators in the Panama City Beach System. There are four SMATV operators serving two condominium complexes and two motels and provide no competition and six TVRO dealers, only one of which operates in the System's service area and provides minimal competition. There is an overbuilder in the Panama City Beach System service area which provides significant competition to this system. The Systems also face competition from numerous video cassette rental outlets in the Systems' service areas and from the large number of first run movie theaters in their service areas. Spacelink believes the preponderance of VCR ownership in the Systems' service areas may be a positive rather than a negative factor because households that have VCRs are attracted to non- commercial programming delivered by the Systems such as movies and sporting events on cable television that they can tape at their convenience. REGULATION AND LEGISLATION The cable television industry is regulated in varying degrees by the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC"), some state governments and most local governments. In addition, the Copyright Act of 1976 imposed copyright liability on all cable television systems. Present FCC regulations include requirements with respect to registration of operation, record keeping, technical standards, and periodic reporting. Several states have assumed regulatory jurisdiction of the cable television industry, and it is anticipated that other states will do so in the future. Cable television operations are subject to local regulation insofar as systems operate under franchises granted by local authorities. The following is a summary of Federal laws and regulations materially affecting the growth of the cable television industry, and a description of state and local laws with which the cable industry must comply. 29 30 CABLE COMMUNICATIONS POLICY ACT OF 1984. On December 29, 1984, the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 (the "1984 Cable Act"), which amended the Communications Act of 1934, took effect (as so amended, the "Communications Act"). This legislation imposed uniform national regulations on cable television systems and franchising authorities. Among other things, the legislation regulated the provision of cable television service pursuant to a franchise, specified those circumstances under which a cable television operator may obtain modification of its franchise, established criteria under which a franchise shall be renewed and established maximum fees payable by cable television operators to franchising authorities. The law prescribes a standard of privacy protection for cable subscribers, and imposes equal employment opportunity requirements on the cable television industry. It restricts the amount of fees paid by the cable television operator to the franchising authority to a maximum of 5% of gross revenues during the term of the franchise. Franchising authorities are granted authority to establish requirements in new franchises and renewal of existing franchises for the designation and use of public educational and governmental access channels. Franchising authorities are empowered to establish requirements for cable-related facilities and equipment, which may include requirements that relate to channel capacity, system configuration and other facility or equipment requirements related to the establishment and operation of a cable television system. CABLE TELEVISION CONSUMER PROTECTION AND COMPETITION ACT OF 1992. On October 5, 1992, Congress enacted the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (the "1992 Cable Act"), which became effective on December 4, 1992 and which amended the 1984 Cable Act. This legislation has effected significant changes to the legislative and regulatory environment in which the cable television industry operates. The 1992 Cable Act generally allows for a greater degree of regulation of the cable television industry. Pursuant to the FCC's definition of effective competition adopted following enactment of the 1984 Cable Act, and under the FCC's rules and regulations, substantially all of Spacelink's franchises were rate deregulated in the mid 1980s. Under the 1992 Cable Act's definition of effective competition, nearly all cable systems in the United States, including those owned and managed by Spacelink, are again subject to rate regulation of basic cable services. In addition, the 1992 Cable Act allows the FCC to regulate rates for non-basic service tiers other than premium services in response to complaints filed by franchising authorities and/or cable subscribers. The 1992 Cable Act also (i) eliminates the 5% annual basic rate increase currently allowed by the 1984 Cable Act without local approval; (ii) requires the FCC to adopt regulations to establish, on the basis of actual costs, the prices for installation of cable service, remote controls, converter boxes and additional outlets; (iii) requires cable to permit subscribers to purchase video programming offered by the operator on a per-channel or a per-program basis without the necessity of subscribing to any tier of service, other than the basic service, unless the system's lack of addressable converter boxes or other technological limitations does not permit it to do so; (iv) allows the FCC to impose restrictions on the 30 31 retiering and rearrangement of cable services under certain circumstances; and (v) permits the FCC and the franchising authorities more latitude in controlling rates and rejecting rate increase requests. On April 1, 1993, the FCC adopted regulations governing the regulation of rates for basic and non-basic services. The regulations became effective on September 1, 1993. The FCC adopted a benchmark regulatory scheme for the regulation of basic and cable programming service rates. However, rather than relying on the benchmark scheme, operators may submit cost-of-service showings to justify rates above the applicable benchmarks. A cable operator that can demonstrate through a cost-of-service showing that rates for basic and non-basic services are justified will not be required to reduce rates or be regulated under the benchmark and price cap system. Franchising authorities may not elect cost-of-service as their primary form of rate regulation but must apply the FCC benchmark system. Except for those operators that filed cost-of-service showings, cable operators whose rates are subject to regulation and that were above September 30, 1992 benchmark levels generally reduced those rates to the benchmark level or by 10%, whichever is less, adjusted forward for inflation. Operators who have not adjusted rates pursuant to the FCC's regulations, or whose cost-of-service showings fail to justify current rates, could be subject to refund liability and interest. Spacelink reduced service rates for basic and tier services in its owned and managed systems as required effective September 1, 1993. Spacelink has been negatively impacted by this reduction. The reduction resulted in a decrease in operating revenues in those systems which was somewhat mitigated by increases in revenues from premium service, pay-per-view and advertising sales. On February 22, 1994, the FCC adopted several rate orders including an order which revised its benchmark regulatory scheme. The FCC's new regulations will generally require rate reductions absent a successful cost-of-service showing of 17% of September 30, 1992 rates (the "Full Reduction Rate"), adjusted for inflation, channel modifications, equipment costs and increases in programming costs. However, rate reductions will be held in abeyance for those systems whose rates are already below the revised benchmark levels, or pending the completion of cost studies by the FCC of various types of representative systems, of those systems that would be required to be reduced below the revised benchmark levels in order to achieve the Full Reduction Rate. Further rate reductions to the Full Reduction Rate would be required if validated by the cost studies. The new regulations became effective on May 15, 1994, but operators could elect to defer a rate reduction prior to July 14, 1994, absent a change in their rates or restructuring of service offerings between May 15 and July 14. Spacelink complied with the FCC's revised regulations and reduced rates as required. Spacelink was negatively impacted by this new round of rate reductions. On February 22, 1994, the FCC also adopted interim cost-of-service regulations. Rate reductions will not be required where it is demonstrated that rates for basic and other regulated programming services are justified and reasonable using cost-of-service standards. The FCC established an interim industry-wide 11.25% rate of return, and requested comments on 31 32 whether this standard and other interim cost-of-service standards should be made permanent. The FCC also established a presumption that acquisition costs above a system's book value should be excluded from the rate base, but the FCC will consider individual showings to rebut this presumption. The need for special rate relief will also be considered by the FCC if an operator demonstrates that the rates set by a cost-of-service proceeding would constitute confiscation of investment, and that, absent a higher rate, the return necessary to operate and to attract investment could not be maintained. The FCC will establish a uniform system of accounts for operators that elect cost-of-service rate regulation, and the FCC has adopted affiliate transaction regulations. The FCC also proposed adopting a productivity factor to be offset against future inflation increases to be applied regardless of which form of regulation is used, cost of service or benchmark regulation. After a rate has been set pursuant to a cost-of-service showing, rate increases for regulated services will be indexed for inflation, and operators will also be permitted to increase rates in response to increases in costs beyond their control, such as taxes and increased programming costs. Among other issues addressed by the FCC in its February rate orders was the treatment of packages of a la carte channels. The FCC in its regulations adopted April 1, 1993, exempted from rate regulation the price of packages of a la carte channels upon the fulfillment of certain conditions. On February 22, 1994, the FCC adopted rules which revised its treatment of a la carte programming offerings by applying various criteria to determine whether a cable operator's a la carte packages should be subject to rate regulation. Local franchising authorities have the authority under the FCC rules, subject to review by the FCC, to determine whether an a la carte offering should be subject to rate regulation. If an operator is found to have bundled channels in an a la carte package to evade rate regulation, the FCC may impose forfeitures or other sanctions. The 1992 Cable Act encourages competition with existing cable systems by allowing municipalities, which are otherwise legally qualified, to own and operate their own cable systems without having to obtain a franchise; prevents franchising authorities from granting exclusive franchises; or unreasonably refusing to award additional franchises covering an existing cable system's service area. The 1992 Cable Act also makes several procedural changes to the process under which a cable operator seeks to enforce renewal rights which could make it easier in some cases for a franchising authority to deny renewal. The 1992 Cable Act prohibits the common ownership of cable systems and co-located MMDS or SMATV systems, and absent certain exceptions, the sale or transfer of ownership of a cable system within 36 months after its acquisition or initial construction. The 1992 Cable Act also precludes video programmers affiliated with cable companies from favoring cable operators over competitors and requires such programmers to sell their programs to other multichannel video distributors. This provision may limit the ability of cable program suppliers to offer exclusive programming arrangements with cable companies and could affect the volume discounts that program suppliers currently offer to Spacelink as a multiple system operator. Under the 1984 Cable Act cable operators with thirty-six or more activated channels are required to designate channel capacity for commercial use by persons unaffiliated with the operator. The 1984 Cable Act provided operators with substantial latitude in setting rates for 32 33 commercially leased access channels, but, the 1992 Cable Act requires leased access rates to be set according to a formula determined by the FCC. It is possible that such leased access services will result in competition to services offered over cable systems. The 1992 Cable Act contains new broadcast signal carriage requirements, and the FCC has adopted regulations implementing the statutory requirements. These new rules require a local commercial station to elect whether to require a cable system to carry its signal, or to require the cable system to negotiate with the station for "retransmission consent" rights. A cable system is generally required to devote up to one-third of its activated channel capacity for the mandatory carriage of local commercial television stations, and non-commercial television stations are also given mandatory carriage rights, although such stations are not given the option to negotiate retransmission consent for the carriage of their signals by cable systems. Additionally, cable systems are required to obtain retransmission consent for all "distant" commercial television stations (except for commercial satellite-delivered independent "superstations"), commercial radio stations and certain low power television stations carried by such systems. In some cases, the must-carry rules could require cable systems to carry local television signals in lieu of more popular programming and could increase the costs of carrying certain broadcast stations. The retransmission consent rules could result in cable operators not being permitted to carry certain broadcast stations after October 6, 1993. On April 8, 1993 a special three-judge federal district court for the District of Columbia issued a decision upholding the constitutional validity of the must-carry signal carriage requirements. This decision was vacated by the United States Supreme Court on June 27, 1994 and remanded to the district court for further development of a factual record. The Court's majority determined that the must-carry rules were content neutral, but that it was not yet proven that the rules were needed to preserve the economic health of the broadcasting industry. In the interim, the must-carry rules will remain in place during the pendency of the proceedings in district court, absent a stay of the rules. In 1993, a federal district court for the District of Columbia upheld provisions of the 1992 Cable Act concerning rate regulation, retransmission consent, restrictions on vertically integrated cable television operators and programmers, mandatory carriage of programming on commercial leased channels and public, educational and governmental access channels and the exemption for municipalities from civil damage liability arising out of local regulation of cable services. The 1992 Cable Act's provisions providing for multiple ownership limits for cable operators and advance notice of free previews for certain programming services has been found unconstitutional, and these decisions have been appealed. In November 1993, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia held that the FCC's regulations implemented pursuant to Section 10 of the 1992 Cable Act which permit cable operators to ban indecent programming on public, educational or governmental access channels or leased access channels, unconstitutional, but the court has agreed to reconsider its decision. All of these decisions construing provisions of the 1992 Cable Act and the FCC's implementing regulations have been or are expected to be appealed. The 1992 Cable Act also allows for a greater degree of regulation of the cable industry with respect to, among other things: (i) programming access and exclusivity arrangements; (ii) 33 34 access to cable channels by unaffiliated programming services; (iii) leased access terms and conditions; (iv) horizontal and vertical ownership of cable systems; (v) franchise renewals; (vi) technical standards; (vii) subscriber privacy; (viii) consumer protection issues; (ix) cable equipment compatibility; and (x) obscene and indecent programming. The 1992 Cable Act required the FCC to establish national customer service standards and the FCC recently adopted regulations governing office hours, telephone availability, installations, outages, service calls, and billing and refund policies. Additionally, state or municipal authorities may enact laws or regulations which impose stricter or different customer service standards than those set by the FCC. The responsibility for franchising or other authorization of cable television systems is left to state and local authorities. There are, however, several provisions in the Cable Act of 1984 that govern the terms and conditions under which cable television systems provide service. These include uniform standards and policies that are applicable to cable television operators seeking renewal of a cable television franchise. The procedures established provide for a formal renewal process should the franchising authority and the cable television operator decline to use an informal procedure. A franchising authority unable to make a preliminary determination to renew a franchise is required to hold a hearing in which the operator has the right to participate. In the event a determination is made not to renew the franchise at the conclusion of the hearing, the franchising authority must provide the operator with a written decision stating the specific reasons for non-renewal. Generally, the franchising authority can finally decide not to renew a franchise only if it finds that the cable operator has not substantially complied with the material terms of the present franchise, has not provided reasonable service in light of the community's needs, does not have the financial, legal or technical ability to provide the services being proposed for the future, or has not presented a reasonable proposal for future service. OWNERSHIP AND MARKET STRUCTURE. The FCC rules and federal law generally prohibit the direct or indirect common ownership, operation, control or interest in a cable television system, on the one hand, and a local television broadcast station whose television signal (predicted grade B contour as defined under FCC regulations) reaches any portion of the community served by the cable television system, on the other hand. For purposes of the cross-ownership rules, "control" of licensee companies is attributed to all 5% or greater stockholders, except for mutual funds, banks and insurance companies which may own less than 10% without attribution of control. The FCC has requested comment as to whether to raise the attribution criteria from 5% to 10% and for passive investors from 10% to 20%, and whether it should exempt from attribution certain widely held limited partnership interests where each individual interest represents an insignificant percentage of total partnership equity. The FCC recently lifted its ban on the cross-ownership of cable television systems by broadcast networks. The FCC revised its regulations to permit broadcast networks to acquire cable television systems serving up to 10% of the homes passed in the nation, and up to 50% of the homes passed in a local market. The local limit would not apply in cases where the network-owned cable system competes with another cable operator. Spacelink has no direct or indirect ownership, operation, control or interest in a television broadcast station, or a telephone company, and it is thus presently unaffected by the cross-ownership rules. 34 35 The Communications Act and FCC regulations generally prohibit the common operation of a cable television system and a telephone company within the same service area. Until recently, control was attributed to stockholders who directly or indirectly own 1% or more of outstanding voting stock and for mutual funds, 3% of the outstanding voting stock. The FCC's recently revised regulations will now permit telephone companies to own up to a 5% interest in cable television systems in their own service areas. The cross-ownership prohibitions would preclude investors from holding shares in Spacelink if they simultaneously served as officers or directors of, or held an attributable ownership interest in, these other businesses, and would also preclude Spacelink from acquiring a cable television system where Spacelink's officers or directors served as officers or directors of, or held an attributable ownership in, these other businesses which were located within the same area as the cable system which was to be acquired. In order to encourage and develop a competitive video services marketplace, the FCC recently conducted a wide-ranging inquiry into the participation of the telephone industry in the delivery of cable television services. The FCC concluded that telephone companies should be permitted to provide a video dialtone service that would be similar to the ordinary telephone dialtone and would be able to provide access for consumers to a wide variety of services now provided by cable television systems, as well as new services (including videophone and advanced telecommunications services) which may develop. Under the FCC's video dialtone regulations, telephone companies will be permitted to provide access to video dialtone services of others on a common carrier basis, as well as provide directly to their telephone customers their own non-video dialtone and non-video services, subject to certain structural cross-subsidization safeguards. Telephone companies will also be permitted to own up to a 5% interest in a program service provided that the telephone company has some other affiliation with the programmer, such as an agreement to provide equipment or support services. The Commission also has been petitioned to adopt specific accounting rules for telephone companies that provide video dialtone. All of the Bell Operating Companies and most of the major independent telephone companies have requested authority to provide video dialtone in portions of their service areas. The Commission has approved a number of video dialtone trials and recently authorized Bell Atlantic Corporation to provide a commercial video dialtone service in Dover, New Jersey. The Commission is not expected to grant additional applications until after it issues its order on reconsideration. Several of the proposed video dialtone systems could compete or will compete directly with Spacelink and its partnerships' systems. If video dialtone services become widespread in the future, cable television systems could be placed at a competitive disadvantage because cable television systems are required to obtain local franchises to provide cable television service and must comply with a variety of obligations under such franchises. The FCC has concluded that under the Cable Act interexchange carriers (such as AT&T, which provide long distance services), are not subject to the restrictions which bar the provision of cable television service by local exchange carriers. In addition, the FCC 35 36 concluded that neither a local exchange carrier providing a video dialtone service nor its programming suppliers leasing the dialtone service are required to obtain a cable television franchise. This determination has been appealed. The modification of the current cross-ownership restrictions, which prohibit common ownership or operation of cable television systems and telephone companies within the same service area, would create competition by permitting telephone companies to provide the same types of services as cable television systems and could also facilitate the use of telephone transmission facilities by others seeking to compete with franchised operators. It could also lead to the enactment of legislation to enable cable television systems to compete with telephone companies in providing telecommunication services. Federal cross-ownership restrictions have previously limited entry into the cable television business by potentially strong competitors such as telephone companies. Proposals now under consideration in Congress and recent litigation could lead to the elimination of these restrictions, making it possible for companies with considerable resources, and consequently a potentially greater willingness or ability to overbuild, to enter the business. Even in the absence of changes in the cross-ownership restrictions, the expansion of telephone companies' fiber optic systems may facilitate entry by other video service providers in competition with cable systems. The 1984 Cable Act codified existing FCC cross-ownership regulations, which, in part, prohibit local exchange telephone companies ("LECs"), including the Regional Bell Operating Companies ("RBOCs") from providing video programming directly to subscribers within their local exchange telephone service areas, except in rural areas or by specific waiver of FCC rules. This federal cross-ownership rule is particularly important to the cable industry because these telephone companies already own certain facilities needed for cable television operation, such as poles, ducts and associated rights-of-way. In 1992, the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of Virginia and Bell Atlantic Video Service Company (collectively, "Bell Atlantic"), both wholly-owned subsidiaries of Bell Atlantic Corporation, filed suit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division) seeking to have declared unconstitutional the provision of the 1984 Cable Act which prohibits a telephone company from owning a cable television system in its own service area. Spacelink was not a party to this litigation, although the National Cable Television Association ("NCTA"), an industry group of which Spacelink is a member, intervened in the case. In its complaint, Bell Atlantic stated that, if permitted, it will build and operate a cable television system in the City of Alexandria, Virginia. On August 24, 1993, the court held that the 1984 Cable Act cross-ownership provision is unconstitutional, and it issued an order enjoining the United States Justice Department from enforcing the cross-ownership ban. The decision was appealed to the Federal Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, but the court recently indicated that it was holding the appeal in abeyance pending possible action by the Congress on pending legislation to modify the cable television/telephone cross-ownership ban, and recently in a suit brought by US West in a federal district court in Seattle, the cross-ownership ban was held unconstitutional. The decisions, which apply only to these two RBOCs, will enable them to provide cable television services within their own operating areas if they are not reversed on appeal. Several other RBOCs have brought similar suits challenging the cross-ownership 36 37 statute in federal district court in Illinois, Michigan, California and Maine. Spacelink is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this litigation on Spacelink's cable television business. Another court decision, which modifies The Modified Final Judgment in United States v. American Telephone & Telegraph Co., will permit the RBOCs to provide information services over their facilities. This decision effectively permits RBOCs to acquire or construct cable television systems outside of their own service areas, and several RBOCs have recently invested or acquired cable television companies. There are currently bills pending in Congress that would permit the LECs to provide cable television service over their own facilities conditioned on establishing a video programming affiliate that will maintain separate records to prevent cross- subsidization. These bills would, among other things, also prohibit telephone companies from purchasing existing cable systems within their telephone service areas. Recently, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and US West, both RBOCs, have separately evidenced an interest in the cable television industry. Southwestern Bell acquired certain cable television systems from Hauser Communications, and US West made a significant investment in a subsidiary of Time Warner, one of the largest cable television operators in the country. These announced transactions indicate to Spacelink a strong intention on the part of telephone companies to enter the cable television business. PROGRAM ORIGINATION AND EXCLUSIVITY OBLIGATION. Cable television systems may originate programs and may present advertising subject to compliance with the FCC's regulations governing political broadcasts, political advertisements and sponsorship identification, and prohibitions on lotteries and obscene programming. FCC regulations currently require cable television systems located within 35 miles of a television market to delete syndicated programs on distant broadcast signals upon request of the copyright owner or the local station holding the exclusive rights to broadcast the same program within its television market. Similar blackout regulations also are applicable to network programming in which local network affiliates hold exclusive rights. COPYRIGHT MATTERS. The Copyright Act of 1976 grants cable television systems a "compulsory license" to carry distant television signals authorized by the FCC. In consideration for the compulsory license, cable television systems are required to pay royalties to the owners of the copyrighted material which is carried. These copyright royalty payments are based upon a percentage of a cable television system's gross revenues from basic subscriber service. Every cable television system must submit statements of account and royalty payments to the Copyright Office. The Copyright Act contains specific formulas for calculating the amount of the royalty fee. In general, under these formulas, the larger the system and the greater the number of distant signals carried, the greater will be the royalty fees. Failure to comply constitutes copyright infringement and may result in the imposition of fines and other penalties. 37 38 The Copyright Act established the Copyright Royalty Tribunal (the "CRT"), which was empowered to distribute royalty payments and to review and adjust royalty rates in limited situations. Legislation recently enacted by Congress abolished the CRT, and the distribution of royalties will now be administered by the Library of Congress, which will use arbitration panels to resolve royalty distribution disputes. The possible simplification, modification or elimination of the compulsory license is the subject of continuing legislative review. Consequently, the nature or amount of future royalty payments for broadcast signal carriage cannot presently be predicted. The elimination or substantial modification of the cable compulsory license could adversely affect Spacelink's ability to obtain suitable programming and could substantially increase the cost of programming that would remain available for distribution to Spacelink's cable subscribers. STATE REGULATION. Several states have subjected cable television systems to the jurisdiction of state governmental agencies, some of which have exercised jurisdiction over transfers of control of cable systems, customer service standards and franchising requirements. Attempts in other states to so regulate cable television systems are continuing and can be expected to increase. It cannot be predicted whether state regulation will have an adverse effect on the growth of the cable television industry and the business of Spacelink. LOCAL REGULATION. A cable television system is generally operated pursuant to a non-exclusive franchise or permit granted by the local governing body of the area to be served. Franchises are granted for a stated term, generally 10 to 15 years, and in many cases are cancelable for failure to comply with various conditions and limitations, including compliance with national, state and local safety and electrical codes, required rates of construction and conditions of service. Franchises usually call for the payment of fees to the granting authority. Some state and local regulations governing cable television systems may be subject to requirements imposed by the FCC and are also subject to the requirements imposed by Federal law. The FCC has generally preempted local regulation of the technical standards with which cable television systems must comply, and has recently implemented uniform standards for the industry. TECHNICAL AND REPORTING REQUIREMENT. The FCC licenses radio, microwave and satellite facilities used by cable television systems. The FCC rules include technical standards for cable television systems with which all systems must comply. The FCC requires cable television systems to file annual reports pertaining to frequency usage, subscriber information and equal employment opportunity practices. The FCC has recently adopted new technical standards, and franchising authorities may not require cable television systems to adhere to standards that are stricter than those of the FCC. MISCELLANEOUS. The Communications Act specifically empowers the FCC to impose fines upon cable television system operators for willful or repeated violation of the FCC's rules and regulations. The FCC has adjudicatory authority over pole attachment disputes where a state has not asserted jurisdiction. 38 39 Implementing provisions of the 1993 Budget Act, the FCC has adopted requirements for payment of 1994 "regulatory fees." Cable television systems are to pay regulatory fees of $0.37 per subscriber. Fees are also assessed for other licenses, including licenses for business radio cable television relay (CARS) and earth stations. For a description of the effects of regulation and legislation on Spacelink, see Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation. 39 40 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto authorized. JONES SPACELINK, LTD. By /s/ Elizabeth M. Steele Elizabeth M. Steele, Vice President Dated: September 7, 1994 40
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