New DBS slots auctioned in Aug

[Kagato]

According to this FCC notice http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-03-40A1.pdf 4 licenses will be auctioned this august. This will include space at 175, 166, 157, and 61. What does this mean for Dish? Anything?

[JStanton]

From a purely selfish POV, It looks like it's only two transponders at 61.5. Do any of the other slots reach the east coast?

- Jim

[TNGTony]

No. The western slots do not reach the east. Especially the north-east.

Dish used to own 8 transponders at 175 but let them lapse.

So...I wonder if some one buys one of those slots if part of the deal is they have to provide service to Western Samoa, Guam and Midway? :D

See ya
Tony

[JohnH]

Well E* needs those 2 Transponders at 61.5, They are currently using one of them and 2 or 3 of R/L DBS's assigned Transponders under an STA from the FCC.

The STA(Special "Temporary" Authority) has been in effect about 5 years now, but ceases when R/L DBS occupies its transponders, at least for those 11 transponders.

[bryan27]

Tony, It's American Samoa. Western Samoa is an independant nation adjacent to American Samoa :)

I hope who ever buys a western slot will service American Samoa, Guam, and CNMI. Perhaps the FCC will waive the HI/AK rules for a western slot if the provider serves the territories.