Why does Galaxy 19 have so many customers?

[polgyver]

I just wonder how it happened that Galaxy 19 has so many TV programs and radios... does the management of this satellite offer low rates? I remember that Serbian RTS used to be on 101 W, and now it is on 97 W. Is it possible to find out the length of contracts between satellite customers and the sat owners, or the date of expiry of contract? Is such an information confidential? Please, shine some light on these matters. Cheers, polgyver

 

[Wescopc]

When SES-1 replaced AMC-4 at 101W many of their broadcasters went to 97W. The reason being - the footprint of SES-1 didn't cover the countries south of the boarder whereas AMC-4 did. G-19 (97W) doesn't have as strong of a signal, in many cases, as the old AMC-4 - but it has a larger footprint than SES-1. The change from 101W to 97W meant that most of the dishes could be re-pointed easily (i.e. only 4 degrees to the East). G19 is truly the FTA satellite for the USA, where the broadcasters intended reception is residential systems.
Bob

 

[turbosat]

What Bob said! Plus, G19 really is a 'Turbo-Sat' ! LOL
It's in a great location.

 

[Tron]

Agree with Turbosat... Location, location, location.

On the down side, I believe it is very expensive.

 

[polgyver]

Thank you for info about footprint. What about the cost for the broadcasters, and the length of contracts? Is there any source of business info, from which this could be obtained?

 

[Wescopc]

You might PM Brian (SatelliteAV) Gohl - he could give you some ball park numbers. I am sure that the contracts are individualized.
?Bob

 

[pollux]

Galaxy 3C is right next, why not using it?

 

[Bob2011]

It really does come down to location and Ku availability. The satellite has Ku coverage to all 50 states plus it is high in the sky for most of the country. Next look at the neighboring satellites and see what is available for full time Ku channels. Quite a few of the transponders are reserved for pay TV, internet, and temporary feeds. Another factor is to look at how uplinkers advertise Galaxy 19 versus other satellites. If you look at PITs website a religious organization would have to believe Galaxy 19 is the only option for North America.

http://pitcomm.com/?page_id=96
http://pitcomm.com/?page_id=785