Steve Mehs
11-20-02, 04:20 AM
Now that EchoStar won back its Ka-Band license from the Federal Communications Commission, the company is eyeing its next move with the future satellite communications system.
Officially, EchoStar spokesman Marc Lumpkin said the company is "pleased by the FCC's decision and plan to put this license to good use." On Monday, the FCC's International Bureau issued an order overturning its previous decision to take away the company's Ka-Band license.
But there was some speculation that the company is evaluating its options concerning the re-acquired Ka-Band spectrum. This summer, officials at EchoStar and Loral, which is constructing a hybrid Ka-Band/Ku-Band spacecraft for the satellite TV company, said they wanted to launch the bird this year. However, there is no public launch date available for the satellite.
EchoStar's hybrid Ka-Band/Ku-Band bird is nearly complete. The satellite - known as EchoStar IX - would have the first commercial Ka-Band payload serving North America. The spacecraft should be located at the company's Ka-Band orbital location at 121 degrees.
This summer, EchoStar said the Ka-Band payload on EchoStar IX was almost three years ahead of the launch date specified by the FCC. Through July, EchoStar had made payments of approximately $75 million for the satellite.
Ka-Band, considered the next-generation of satellite systems, is expected to deliver satellite broadband and advanced video services.
From SkyReport (http://www.skyreport.com/skyreport/nov2002/112002.shtm#two) (Used with Permission)
Officially, EchoStar spokesman Marc Lumpkin said the company is "pleased by the FCC's decision and plan to put this license to good use." On Monday, the FCC's International Bureau issued an order overturning its previous decision to take away the company's Ka-Band license.
But there was some speculation that the company is evaluating its options concerning the re-acquired Ka-Band spectrum. This summer, officials at EchoStar and Loral, which is constructing a hybrid Ka-Band/Ku-Band spacecraft for the satellite TV company, said they wanted to launch the bird this year. However, there is no public launch date available for the satellite.
EchoStar's hybrid Ka-Band/Ku-Band bird is nearly complete. The satellite - known as EchoStar IX - would have the first commercial Ka-Band payload serving North America. The spacecraft should be located at the company's Ka-Band orbital location at 121 degrees.
This summer, EchoStar said the Ka-Band payload on EchoStar IX was almost three years ahead of the launch date specified by the FCC. Through July, EchoStar had made payments of approximately $75 million for the satellite.
Ka-Band, considered the next-generation of satellite systems, is expected to deliver satellite broadband and advanced video services.
From SkyReport (http://www.skyreport.com/skyreport/nov2002/112002.shtm#two) (Used with Permission)