The following was sent this week to dealers in its retailer "Facts Blast" newsletter and this portion concerns Dish / VOOM.
CABLEVISION
EchoStar announced that it has agreed to purchase certain satellite assets from Rainbow DBS Co., a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation, for $200 million. Specifically, EchoStar has agreed to purchase Rainbow 1, a direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) located at 61.5 degrees West Longitude, together with the rights to 11 DBS frequencies at that location. The satellite includes 13 frequencies, up to 12 of which can be operated in “spot beam” mode. The EchoStar III satellite is also located at 61.5 degrees West Longitude and broadcasts DISH Network TV programming to hundreds of thousands of consumers today using DBS spectrum licensed to EchoStar at that location. EchoStar is assessing how the Rainbow satellite’s flexibility can best be utilized to enhance DISH Network’s existing service. Please note that we cannot offer the Voom television service via this satellite because the purchase does not include Voom’s programming, customer list or other related assets. The deal is subject to regulatory review, and at this time, we cannot predict exactly when it might close. For updates, please stay tuned to upcoming Retailer Chats and Facts Blasts.