In Like a Lion and Out Like a Lamb
You know the old saying about the month of March, “In like a lion and out like a lamb.” Well that is what we had this month in the satellite world.
March started off with the botched launch of SES Americom’s AMC-14 satellite from Kazakhstan. The satellite was scheduled to be fully leased to Echostar for use by Dish Network at the 61.5 orbital location. As I write this blog entry the AMC-14 satellite is still floating through space as people try figuring out a way to get AMC-14 into proper orbit. And while the launch was botched Dish Networks HD plans are still rolling forward full steam ahead.
It is expected that in April Dish Network will roll out a good number of national HD channels plus a bunch of new HD local into local cities. Tomorrow Dish Network will be gaining the use of two more transponders at the 61.5 orbital location as the Christian DBS service provider Sky Angel will be leaving the satellite signal delivery business and has moved to a new IPTV based service.
Another big news item that kicked off the month of March has been the launch of the new DirecTV 11 satellite. The satellite had a picture perfect launch and is expected to be ready for use in September.
Another big news item for the month of March was Echostar’s win of the majority of the “E” spectrum in the recent government bandwidth auction. Echostar won this spectrum for most of the country but is missing most of New England. There is no word yet on what Echostar is going to do with the spectrum. One thing I know for sure is that Dish Network CEO Charlie Ergen wouldn’t spend a dime unless he knew that he could make money with his purchase.
It was good to see the DOJ give the nod to the XM and Sirius satellite radio merger. Now we just need to wait for the FCC to issue its ruling.
And March ended on a quiet note, with no real news to report. I guess that old saying about March even holds true in the world of satellite.
So now as I look at my magic 8 ball, I see some exciting things coming down the line in April for HD fans of both services. In fact you could say that in April it could be pouring down new HD content in April… but then again isn’t the saying for April “April shower bring May Flowers!”
Man I can’t wait for May.
Robert S. commented:
I think E* did a good job by getting LIN station HD retransmission agreements. DISH is the only service that carries both LIN stations where I live (and you can't find them both on Com...c.... or D*!).
that should save E*'s hide a little bit where I live, but they do need to get more national HD up and going or it may be a decision in this area of having lots more national HD or having LIN HD stations that could be alternately received seamlessly with an off-air antenna.
Matt commented:
The former HD leader needs to do something.. there are alot of subs switching from E* to D*. Im an installer for E* and alot of areas that we used to install heavely in are now poping up with Directv slimline dish's.