DISH Network launched its second satellite this year today, which will add even more HiDef channels to the service’s 200 national HiDef networks and local HiDef channels in 156 local markets in the U.S.
The EchoStar XV satellite, built by Space Systems/Loral, launched on an International Launch Services Proton/Breeze M vehicle from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 11:40 a.m. PDT on Saturday, July 10, is scheduled to begin operations later this summer from 61.5 degrees West Longitude at an altitude of approximately 22,000 miles.
DISH executive vp Tom Cullen said that the launch “demonstrates DISH Network’s continuing commitment to delivering the most high-quality HD programming at the best value.” Referring to the service’s recent HD Free For Life’ program, Cullen said the company is proud that extra satellite capacity “will soon allow us to provide even more high definition channels for free.”
— By Scott Hettrick