Cablevision Bird Ready to Launch

[Steve Mehs]

The next launch for U.S. satellite TV could put a bird into orbit for a cable company.

Lockheed Martin and its Commercial Space Systems division said they are gearing up for the launch of a spacecraft for Cablevision and its Rainbow DBS endeavor. The satellite's future parking spot at 61.5 degrees, a DBS orbital location the cable operator shares with EchoStar, were once part of last-minute discussions surrounding the failed merger between EchoStar and DirecTV.

Lockheed Martin said the high-power A2100 satellite built for Cablevision/Rainbow DBS is scheduled to launch in the first half of the year aboard an Atlas V rocket. According to the launch forecast on Space.com, the Atlas rocket is expected to carry Rainbow-1 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on May 8.

Cablevision spokesperson Charlie Schueler said the company plans to go ahead with its DBS business, "but at this time we don't have much more to report."

The Cablevision satellite and its 61.5-degree DBS spectrum were part of last-minute discussions between the MSO, EchoStar and regulators. When the proposed EchoStar/DirecTV combination ran into trouble in Washington, D.C., the satellite TV company offered to divest its DBS spectrum at 61.5 degrees and give the orbital location and a satellite to Cablevision's DBS endeavor in order to win regulatory approval for the deal.

Cablevision's DBS dreams worry some on Wall Street. Last week, Merrill Lynch analyst Jessica Reif said that, in her opinion, the best outcome for the Rainbow DBS business "is an outright sale to EchoStar for $300-$500 million."

From SkyReport (http://www.skyreport.com/skyreport/jan2003/012303.shtm#two) (Used with Permission)

[Jacob S]

If they have a different marketing plan than Dish or Direct and the angry retailers or those retailers that were forced out of business by cutting commissions and so forth, then I think they would have a chance to gain some subscribers. It would also be a place for some to go that have a problem with Dish or Direct. They would not have to have as many customers as Dish or Direct to survive now would they?

With them offering channels individually and in smaller packages and have an option not having to buy the equipment or pay for installation, this would be a good offering for a lot of people compared to having to pay for equipment and having to take full packages. Also their HD offerings would have some already seeing the 61.5 slot going to their service since they will offer more HD channels than Dish in which Dish said they would be the HD leader.

[KB]

With all I have read about Cablevision (or we going to call them C?) from people who have their land cable service.....I would not hold my breath expecting C's DBS service to be better than D or E. If you just want one or two specialty packages then you will probably save some money but expect a minimum of at least $20-25 (similar to the Canadian services) regardless of the number of packages you select.

[platinum]

I had Cablevision and they were horrible i dumped them in 95 and got D*.

[raj2001]

Originally posted by platinum
I had Cablevision and they were horrible i dumped them in 95 and got D*.

AFAIK, the only good part of Cablevision is Optimum Online.

[platinum]

I agree optonline is very good

[Steve Mehs]

Cablevision used to be the cable company around here until ~'93 when Time Warmer bought out the franchise. I hope I'm proven wrong in a few years time, but I honestly don't think Cablevision will have a real fighting chance in the DBS market. But who knows.

[platinum]

I think you are right Steve, I think they'll end up selling their bird.

[Jacob S]

Hmm, well Cablevision has a lot of cable customers don't they? I seen Charter satellite service go up all over the place where their cable could not reach. They have a lot of money to market and they are established to where a lot of people know of them, probably more than Dish or Direct in some cases.

I think they might have a chance if they treat the retailers good. A combination of customers switching from Dish and Direct and getting a new market for HDTV customers and smaller packages and payment plans and so forth.