EchoStar Communications Corporation
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EchoStar_Logo.jpg
EchoStar Logo
EchoStar Communications Corporation Template:Nasdaq is the parent company of DISH Network and the maintainer of the satellite fleet that provides the signal which DISH Network markets.
History
EchoStar was formed in 1980 by its chairman and CEO Charlie Ergen as a distributer of C-band TV systems. In 1987, EchoStar applied for a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) license with the Federal Communications Commission and was granted access to orbital slot 119° west longitude in 1992.
On December 28, 1995, EchoStar successfully launched its first satellite, EchoStar I. That same year, EchoStar established the DISH Network brand name to market its home satellite TV system.
In January 2005, EchoStar bought a satellite from the troubled HDTV DBS company VOOM. Later on April 29, EchoStar announces to expand more HDTV programming by adding the first 10 of 21 original VOOM channels (more info by clicking this link) (http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=dish&script=410&layout=-6&item_id=703340).
Satellite fleet
| Satellite | Orbital slot | Launch date | Satellite type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EchoStar I | 148°W | December 28, 1995 | Lockheed Martin AS-7000 |
| EchoStar II | 148°W | September 10, 1996 | Lockheed Martin AS-7000 |
| EchoStar III | 61.5°W | October 5, 1997 | Lockheed Martin A2100AX |
| EchoStar IV | 119°W | May 8, 1998 | Lockheed Martin A2100AX |
| EchoStar V | 110°W | September 23, 1999 | Space Systems/Loral LS-1300 |
| EchoStar VI | 119°W | July 14, 2000 | Space Systems/Loral LS-1300 |
| EchoStar VII | 119°W | Feb. 21, 2002 | Lockheed Martin A2100AX |
| EchoStar VIII | 110°W | Aug. 21, 2002 | Space Systems/Loral LS-1300 |
| EchoStar IX | 121°W | August 7, 2003 | Space Systems/Loral LS-1300 |
| EchoStar X | 110°W | (est.) late 2005/early 2006 | Lockheed Martin A2100AX |
| EchoStar XI | TBD | (est.) 2007 | Space Systems/Loral LS-1300 |
External link
- EchoStar homepage (http://www.echostar.com/)
- Digital Insurrection Satellite Information (http://satellitetv.digitalinsurrection.com/)