Although it will likely be a while before subscribers see any benefit from it, a new satellite has been launched into orbit that will be used by DISH Network to carry programming.
A Russian Proton rocket blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome last week carrying a Canadian Nimiq 5 communications satellite. The new satellite, built by Space Systems/Loral for operator Telesat of Ottawa, will provide 32 Ku-band transponders for use by DISH Network to broadcast programming to North America.
The new satellite is expected to start providing service sometime next month and will orbit the Earth in the 72.7 degrees West longitude position.
The new capacity should allow DISH to offer more programming, including high-definition programming which is one of the primary battlegrounds in the competition between DISH Network and their chief rival, DirecTV. The cable TV companies are also doing their best to retain their share of the market and continue to make improvements to their systems.
Tags: 72.7, dish network, Ku-Band, Launch, Loral, New Satellite, Nimiq 5, Proton, Space Systems, Telesat