News Archive
DISH Intros 'Mega' Taiwanese Package -- Posted by soullezz
on Saturday, June 30 2007
In yet another move to expand its international offering, EchoStar's DISH Network has cooked up a new Taiwanese programming package consisting of 13 new channels. The "Taiwanese Mega Pak" will feature such channels as: ET-Global, ET-News, ET-Drama, ET-China, YOYO, JET International, SETI, i-Cable, CTS, CTV, TTV, SkyLink TV and SkyLink TV-2.
According to the company, new Taiwanese Mega Pak customers will be eligible to receive DISH Network's International $100 back offer. With the new Taiwanese package regularly costing $34.99, the $100 rebate basically offers a $10 per month credit for 10 months - resulting in a bargain rate of $24.99 per month.
DISH said Taiwanese Mega Pak customers who do not subscribe to a qualifying basic programming package will be charged a $6 per month service access fee.
DISH Network's international programming currently includes more than 130 international channels from more than 25 countries in more than 25 languages - including Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Japanese and Polish.
Study: Respect Satellite Radio's Right to Merge -- Posted by soullezz
on Saturday, June 30 2007
A former Federal Communications Commissioner conducted a study on behalf of Sirius and rival XM on the companies' pending $13 billion merger. In it, the former regulator-turned-economist said the audio entertainment delivery industry is such that disallowing satellite radio's right to unify would not be in consumers' best interest.
According to Harold W. Furchtgott-Roth, a Republican FCC commissioner from 1997-2001, economic factors and potential changes in the communications industries have afforded American consumers a wide range of services that compete with satellite radio. These competing services dictate how much Sirius and XM can charge for their service, he said, and whether or not the companies actually merge, regulators "should afford these companies the flexibility to respond to rapidly changing market conditions."
In the report titled, "An Economic Review of the Proposed Merger of XM Sirius," Furchtgott-Roth found that practically all of the programming available via satellite radio can be obtained elsewhere, and if a combined XM/Sirius were to raise prices, consumers could find identical or similar programming from a competing service. "The FCC has taken note of this trend toward a broader mobile services market in other proceedings, and it should maintain that position when evaluating this merger" as well, he said.
The report said that the FCC has recognized shifting market conditions in reviewing license transfer applications in past merger reviews. Being such, "the merger is consistent with the government's efforts to facilitate deployment of advanced communications services and would also promote efforts to complete required regulation of SDARS licensees, specifically the coordination of the 2.3 Ghz spectrum with WCS licensees."
Given the complex nature of satellite radio's technology, and the time required to develop and launch them, the report said sat operators have an unusually long planning horizon. Rapid changes in communications services create an atmosphere in which technologies relevant today may become obsolete in just a few short months. The report concludes that a "failure to provide satellite operators with flexibility in adjusting plans can lead to unforeseeable harmful consequences."
In related news, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) announced its support for the merger. In a letter to the FCC, NAACP Director Hilary Shelton said the organization is "convinced" approving the transaction "will be a positive development" for customers. "More diverse, accessible and appealing options at lower prices in satellite radio will help further expand the reach of this medium," she said.
DIRECTV Not Sold on Tweener Issue -- Posted by soullezz
on Tuesday, June 26 2007
Despite the Federal Communications Commission's recent adoption of service rules for the so-called DBS reverse band, the issue of tweener satellites is far from over. One company with a lot at stake spent some time last week with FCC staff arguing against creating another way for the in-between birds to enter the mix.
In a document filed with the agency, DIRECTV outlined its stance on the debate saying that creating a "third way" for tweener entry would fail to serve the public interest. The nation's largest satellite company told FCC staffers that not only would forced tweener entry not support new entrants, but the move won't improve spectral efficiency nor support new and innovative services either.
According to the filing, DIRECTV said what forced tweener entry will do is significantly increase outages for existing DBS subs; preclude existing mobile DBS services to cars, boats and other markets; and reallocate capacity from U.S. systems - those that created it - to foreign systems that "expropriate" it. The company also said the forced entry would set up foreign administrations as gatekeepers and diminish the ability of DBS operators to compete with terrestrial MVPD alternatives.
The DIRECTV filing said forced entry does not provide the only option for direct-to-home expansion. And when it's all said and done, protecting the interests of 30 million-plus existing DBS subscribers nationwide is what opposing the move is all about - despite a good chunk of them coming from the company's rival, DISH Network.
"Existing (FCC) rules contemplate tweener entry where a proposed system (1) would not affect U.S. DBS systems, or (2) has completed coordination with the systems," DIRECTV said. It's "better to continue to rely on established international processes to accomodate new entry while protecting tens of millions of subscribers."
EchoStar Dumps Texas Retailer -- Posted by soullezz
on Tuesday, June 26 2007
EchoStar took a rare step this week by lessening its retailer chain by one link. In response to a DISH Network retailer making a Texas-sized no no, the satellite giant terminated its relationship with a dealer for allegedly breaking the company's telemarketing rules.
EchoStar Monday ended its business relationship with Texas-based independent retailer Brandon Adams Investments Inc. Dish Central for violation of its telemarketing and lead generation policies.
The company also said it recently became aware of organizations in Pakistan and other areas that may be engaged in "improper, and potentially unlawful, means to provide telemarketing and lead generation services to DISH retailers." The businesses include Divine Groupe/Divine Consultants; Transdata; and Global IT Vision/MySatTV. The company said these groups are in no way affiliated with EchoStar, nor have been authorized by DISH to telemarket or generate leads.
"EchoStar fully supports the FTC's national Do-Not-Call Registry and all telemarketing laws and regulations," the company said. "EchoStar will continue to investigate the practices of retailers and marketing lead generators who violate telemarketing laws."
In other DISH news, EchoStar signed a multi-year agreement with Guest-Tek Interactive Entertainment to deliver DISH Network programming to hotel properties nationwide. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Satellite Rules Global HDTV -- Posted by soullezz
on Thursday, June 21 2007
While satellite companies here in the States continue their battle to convince viewers that their high-def product is superior to cable, worldwide trends seem to confirm just that. With the global market for HDTV projected to explode during the next few years, a new study suggests satellite will be leading the way.
According to IMS Research, the high-def market is forecast to grow to nearly 148 million HDTV households by 2011, with nearly 41 percent of those receiving HD programming via satellite.
The firm's latest study, "The Future of High-Definition TV - 2007 Edition," said the growth in satellite HDTV households during the next four years will be largely driven by the US and Western Europe. IMS said in Europe specifically, the slow advancement of digital cable has helped position satellite as the most common method of receiving pay-HDTV.
The study said the findings are in direct contrast to the cable-centric U.S. market where digital cable and heavily-promoted triple-play bundles are expected to keep cable the dominant HD delivery system through 2011. While the U.S. is expected to drive the majority of worldwide cable HDTV growth, satellite is still seen as making substantial gains thanks to focused marketing efforts by DIRECTV and DISH, the firm said.
"Europe is expected to surpass the Asia Pacific region by the end of 2011 to become the second-largest HDTV market in the world behind the Americas," said Paul Erickson, market analyst at IMS Research. "Much of this growth will be fueled by reduced MPEG-4 AVC set-top box costs for both operators and consumers, higher availability of local HD content, more competitive pricing for HD services, the growing popularity of flat-screen TVs, and sports-driven demand for HDTV."
Alphasat Inches Closer to Fruition -- Posted by soullezz
on Thursday, June 21 2007
Global satellite services company Inmarsat, with a heavy helping hand from the European Space Agency (ESA), has moved closer to the implementation of Alphasat. The satellite is the first of many based on Alphabus, the new European telecommunications platform developed by the ESA for high-power payload communications.
According to reports, Inmarsat and the ESA signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday at the Paris Air Show confirming the company will be the first commercial customer for the Alphabus platform. The two groups said they intend to fly an extended L-band payload parallel to, and in support of, its existing global mobile satellite services.
Slated for launch sometime in 2011, Alphasat is designed to provide coverage over Africa with additional coverage in Europe, the Middle-East and parts of Asia.
DIRECTV Connects Coastal Broadcasts -- Posted by soullezz
on Thursday, June 21 2007
Putting a whole new spin on the distant network debate, DIRECTV will be offering subscribers in Los Angeles the chance to watch NBC some three hours ahead of time. How? The satcaster is launching a new service called "NBC in N.Y . - Only in L.A." that will air the east-coast feed simultaneously in sunny SoCal.
As first reported on TVPredictions.com, DIRECTV is offering eligible subs in Los Angeles to add WNBC - the NBC-owned station in New York City - to their local satellite channel lineup for an additional $5.99 per month. As a prerequisite for WNBC, a west-coast DIRECTV customer must not be able to receive an NBC station signal other than KNBC, the L.A. area NBC-owned affiliate.
Residents in Los Angeles will be able to watch NBC programming three hours before other TV viewers in the city by tuning in to New York's WNBC. According to the site, DIRECTV's new service only includes WNBC's standard definition feed.
"Both WNBC and KNBC are owned and operated by NBC, which presumably explains why the Los Angeles NBC station signed off on permitting another local station to be viewed in its territory," wrote TVPredictions' Phillip Swann. "Federal law does not permit a TV provider to offer an 'out-of-market' network signal unless the local affiliate grants a waiver."
A DIRECTV spokesman told the site that the company has no plans to offer a similar out-of-market network feed in any other city.
DISH Unveils Israeli Tiers -- Posted by soullezz
on Sunday, June 17 2007
More news from the land of DISH Network - the satellite provider will exclusively offer two Hebrew-language Israeli programming tiers. The new packages include Israeli Gold, which offers Israeli Global One and the Israeli Move Channel; and Israeli Platinum, which includes the Israeli Gold package plus the Israeli Network and EuroNews - a channel offering global news in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Russian.
Israel Global One includes content from the Israeli Broadcasting Authority (Rashut Hashidur) and offers 24 hours of films, serials, concerts, children's programming and other shows geared toward the Hebrew-speaking audience. The Israeli Movie Channel showcases Israeli films and movies, often including newly released titles.
DISH said the Israeli Network is the only Hebrew-language 24-hour TV channel featuring news, sports, children's and entertainment shows from Israel's leading channels, such as Channel Two, Channel Ten, Hop TV for kids, Educational TV and others.
New Israeli Platinum customers will be eligible to receive DISH Network's International $100 back offer (offer amounts to $10 per month in credit for 10 months of service) lessening the monthly price to $24.99. Israeli Gold and Israeli Platinum customers who do not subscribe to a qualifying basic programming package will be charged an additional $6 per month.
DBS Makes Market Noise -- Posted by soullezz
on Sunday, June 17 2007
Finally answering their critics, EchoStar and DIRECTV unveiled a landmark agreement with wireless internet provider Clearwire that enables the satellite companies to provide an internet service. No doubt, the move will help the DBS industry with its perceived lack of necessary services to compete with the cable/telco bundle.
According to the companies, the distribution agreement enables both DIRECTV and EchoStar's DISH Network to offer the high-speed internet service to customers in Clearwire's "current and future" markets, and in turn allows Clearwire to offer video services from "one or both" satellite companies. Expected to launch sometime later this year, the arrangement will enable each of the companies to offer the highly-popular bundle of high-speed internet, video and voice.
Weighing in on the matter is Bernstein Research's Craig Moffett, who said despite Wi-Max having some "competitive drawbacks," the deal seems to be a win-win for all three companies. "We believe the Clearwire agreement is a clear positive for all involved; it helps fill the broadband hole in the DBS bundle, reduces - even if it certainly doesn't eliminate - the risk that the DBS operators bid in the upcoming 700 MHz auction, and offers product differentiation from cable."
If the Clearwire announcement wasn't enough, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Liberty Media and EchoStar are considering a joint bid for commercial satellite services provider Intelsat. Although the rumor is being seen not much of a slam-dunk as the internet news, analysts do think it is another sign of what to expect from the satellite sector.
"It is difficult to judge the Intelsat deal on its merits, but it raises questions about EchoStar's capital allocation," Moffett said. "Investors hoping for accelerated share repurchases have been disappointed; EchoStar's repurchase program has been inactive for more than a year, and the potential Intelsat bid would be EchoStar's second try for a significant acquisition in as many months (after ION)."
The two separate reports seem to hint at a less-hostile working relationship between DIRECTV and DISH. And while the news may spurn new talks of a DBS merger, Moffett said chances of a unified satellite provider were slim. As far as Intelsat is concerned, the analyst said the rumored deal appears to "further dim the prospects for an AT&T acquisition of EchoStar."
Court: Kentucky SatTV Tax is OK -- Posted by soullezz
on Monday, June 4 2007
A federal court said that Kentucky's telecommunications tax on satellite TV offerings is constitutional despite DIRECTV's and EchoStar's contention otherwise. Last week, the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati dismissed the DBS companies' claims that the state's legislation was nothing more than a protective tax credit for its cable competition.
The dispute started in March 2005 when Kentucky lawmakers changed its telecommunications laws that placed a 5.4 percent tax on the purchase of cable or satellite services. DIRECTV and EchoStar moved to have the law ruled unconstitutional because cable companies are eligible to deduct their local franchise fees from what they pay to the state. Since DBS companies don't pay the franchise fee, they are being forced to pay the entire tax.
Said Chief Judge Danny Boggs, "The state has simply prevented localities from (penalizing) cable companies through franchise fees, and substituted a uniform state taxation scheme. It has not otherwise altered any competitive balance among in and out-of-state competitors."
According to reports and court documents, DIRECTV and EchoStar believe that the tax imposed no new financial burdens on cable companies, while it does add to the tax burden of satellite providers. In DBS' eyes, the tax, which took effect Jan. 1, 2006, hurts satellite operators and unfairly benefits cable TV companies.
However, the court ruled that EchoStar and DIRECTV may feel differently if they were forced to have gone through the process of local taxation and franchise fee negotiation in the first place, and that DBS could have been denied their special exemption granted to them by the Act's original language.
DIRECTV-10 Delay Wont Affect HD Plans -- Posted by soullezz
on Monday, June 4 2007
DIRECTV has confirmed that the launch of its newest satellite - DIRECTV-10 - will be postponed, but the reasons behind the delay are not as clear.
Last week, the foreign news agency Kazakhstan Today reported that despite the Proton-M rocket scheduled to orbit DIRECTV-10 being delivered to the launch site, satellite manufacturer issues were forcing the launch to be postponed. The news source said an exact date for the launch would be determined once the satellite arrived in Kazakhstan.
DIRECTV Director of Public Relations Robert Mercer confirmed to SkyREPORT on Friday that the launch of DIRECTV-10 had indeed been postponed. The company spokesman said the satellite would be rescheduled to launch on July 6 and "will not affect our HD roll out" plans.
As to why DIRECTV-10 was being delayed, Eric Warren, spokesman for Boeing - the satellite's manufacturer - told SkyREPORT that the company was performing "additional testing" on the spacecraft. "The tests were successfully completed and the launch campaign is proceeding," he said.
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