The Calm Before The Storm?

There are times in the satellite industry when there is nothing going on. Other then Dish Networks big announcements at CES at the beginning of the month this month has been very quiet in the satellite industry, but I have a feeling that is about to change.

February might be the shortest month of the year but I see a lot happening in the month. I expect the month to kick off with a bang as AT&T starts selling DirecTV service. In talks that I have had it looks like installs of DirecTV will start on February 2nd. And from what I am hearing the promotion AT&T is looking to jump out of the gate with might draw new customers to satellite television in droves. The big question however is going to come from AT&T customers who currently have AT&T services through Dish Network, I have already been contacted by a number of those with Dish Network service through AT&T and they are asking me if AT&T will let them switch to AT&T. That’s a question I don’t have an answer to, nor do I expect to see an official answer to.

But while Dish Network might have lost the marketing muscle from AT&T things are looking good for Dish in February. Expect the recently launched CEIL II satellite to be moved to is new home at 129 degree western longitude in February. The new satellite will allow Dish Network to launch a wave of new cities in full high definition using the latest in spot beam technology.

But HD locals are not the only thing Dish Network customers will be seeing. It is expected that new national HD is on the horizon. With yesterday’s announcement of a deal between Viacom (MTV Networks) and Dish Network I would not expect it to be long before Dish customers see the addition of HD channels such as Comedy Central HD, Spike TV HD, MTV HD and others appear on the Dish Network lineup. (And hopefully this new agreement will finally split Noggin and The N so that they can finally be 24 hour channels, and also hopefully this also means Dish will finally add the popular Logo channel.)

In February Dish Network will roll out their new $9.99 promotion for new customers which was announced at CES, plus will roll out new names for all of their popular programming packages. Of course for existing Dish Network customers February is a month where some customers might notice that their bill might have increased. And while Dish customers may be seeing a rate increase in February I am expecting to have full details shortly of new DirecTV pricing which should take effect in March. And while many folks might not like the idea of a price increase from either company if you look at the numbers satellite television is still the biggest entertainment bargain out there.

So while January is quiet in the world of satellite I am looking forward to next month because I have a good gut feeling that business is about to pick up.

Have a great weekend everyone!