Echostar FCC 86.5W LIL HD filing

[nelson61]

They had requested approval by Nov 24 in the original special temporary authority application, so that one is still pending approval.

Several interesting items in the permanent application:
1: E4 life end is expected in 2015
2: Looks like it may also have an active Mexico beam. (I'll run an update on the beams and post)
3: The plan to move E8 to 86.5W is new and conflicts with previous FCC submissions in which they indicated E8 would likely relocate to 148W (to preserve that license if approved by FCC).
4: An extract from the narrative says they will use 86.5W to cover line of sight problems for various locals so it would not add more locals to the system.

"EchoStar and its customer DISH currently plan to use EchoStar 4 to provide HD local

channels to a number of markets, which have not yet been conclusively identified. Under the
current plan, these local channels will be simulcast from EchoStar 4 at 86.5º W.L. and from
another one of DISH or EchoStar’s satellites at 129º W.L., 77º W.L. 72.7º W.L. or 61.5º W.L.
The purpose of this simulcast will be to ensure service for consumers who would experience​

line-of-sight or elevation-angle associated problems from these other orbital locations."

 

[nelson61]

It looks like Echostar is continuing their effort to keep their license for DBS at 86.5W (use it or lose it).

They filed an Echostar 8 -86.5W modification to use a FSS frequency to provide the uplink command signals to the satellite (the "EVENT" disabled use of the normal 17GHZ command frequency).

Narrative

 

[mike123abc]

It looks like Echostar is continuing their effort to keep their license for DBS at 86.5W (use it or lose it).

They filed an Echostar 8 -86.5W modification to use a FSS frequency to provide the uplink command signals to the satellite (the "EVENT" disabled use of the normal 17GHZ command frequency).

Narrative

Well at least we now have a detailed account of what happened to E8 a while ago.

 

[nelson61]

Echostar/Directv/Spectrum Filings

Some interesting Echostar 8 details in submissions regarding the Spectrum Five license at 114.5W.

From the Echostar letter commenting on Spectrum's request for extension of their 114.5W in operation schedule.

"EchoStar’splan leads to full operational use of the slot later this year" (2011)", ahead

of EchoStar’s operation milestone of November 29, 2012."

"****it "(Echostar 8)" will be able to begin providing service to consumers over the DBS spectrumavailable at 86.5W.L. as soon as QuetzSat 1 becomes operational at 77W.L.”

Directv wants Spectrum's license canceled, both Dish and Directv say Spectrum does not show up or schedule coordinating meetings, and the FCC has told the Dutch Authority that the FCC understands the ITU regulations and ,if and when Spectrum launches, the FCC will revisit the interference issue. Spectrum claims the Echostar satellites at 110 and 119 exceed ITU interference standards and has claimed poverty as one of the principle reasons for not launching.

The combined 86.5W beams along with the planned 62.15W beams (which include uplink reception antennas for Puerto Rico and Mexico City), and the 77W beams creates a plan with the ability to blanket all of Mexico and parts or all of Conus with a large number of channels.

Although they do not address the issue, it sure looks like they will have the capability of creating a major DBS/BSS presense in Mexico. Could be an effort to mimic Directv's large increase in sales in South America (Directv does not provide service in Mexico).

All dependent on FCC approvals.