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Dominion Sky Angel, which offers a 36-channel Christian satellite TV service, recently approached the Federal Communications Commission and the Justice Department about its views on the pending $26 billion merger between EchoStar and DirecTV.
Robert Johnson, founder, president and CEO of Dominion Sky Angel, said the company has not taken any position on the proposed DBS combination. However, he said Wednesday that Dominion would be concerned about any changes the merger would have on equipment, conditional access systems and other services that could impact Sky Angel customers if the deal wins approval.
"We just want to make sure that our customers are treated the same way as other customers that would be impacted by the merger and any of these changes," Johnson said.
Sky Angel, based in Naples, Fla., has spectrum at 61.5 degrees, and uses EchoStar's satellite at the location to deliver its services. The company is separate from EchoStar, but has adopted EchoStar's equipment for reception of its programming.
Johnson said there are Sky Angel customers who also receive EchoStar's DISH Network services.
In a filing detailing the meeting between FCC and Dominion officials, the company said it's "extremely concerned about the prospect of a merged EchoStar/DirecTV entity electing to utilize DirecTV equipment, without providing for the transition of Dominion subscribers' equipment.
"Dominion and its subscribers need to know that they will be treated in like manner on key issues so that access to Dominion's service and the programming of EchoStar as a merged company will continue to be available," the Dominion filing said.
The filing also said Johnson sent a letter to EchoStar Chairman and CEO Charlie Ergen asking how the conditional access system, DISH brand receivers and other related operational matters will be impacted by the proposed merger. The filing said there has been no reply to Johnson's letter.
EchoStar spokesman Marc Lumpkin said any DirecTV or DISH Network customers who would need to get new equipment because of the merger, and if they keep the same programming services, will receive new equipment at no additional cost. He didn't comment further on the Sky Angel concerns.
In a separate development for the merger, the National Conference of Black Mayors urged the FCC to approve the DBS combination, saying it will provide affordable high-speed Internet access and competition to cable.
From SkyReport (Used with Permission)
Robert Johnson, founder, president and CEO of Dominion Sky Angel, said the company has not taken any position on the proposed DBS combination. However, he said Wednesday that Dominion would be concerned about any changes the merger would have on equipment, conditional access systems and other services that could impact Sky Angel customers if the deal wins approval.
"We just want to make sure that our customers are treated the same way as other customers that would be impacted by the merger and any of these changes," Johnson said.
Sky Angel, based in Naples, Fla., has spectrum at 61.5 degrees, and uses EchoStar's satellite at the location to deliver its services. The company is separate from EchoStar, but has adopted EchoStar's equipment for reception of its programming.
Johnson said there are Sky Angel customers who also receive EchoStar's DISH Network services.
In a filing detailing the meeting between FCC and Dominion officials, the company said it's "extremely concerned about the prospect of a merged EchoStar/DirecTV entity electing to utilize DirecTV equipment, without providing for the transition of Dominion subscribers' equipment.
"Dominion and its subscribers need to know that they will be treated in like manner on key issues so that access to Dominion's service and the programming of EchoStar as a merged company will continue to be available," the Dominion filing said.
The filing also said Johnson sent a letter to EchoStar Chairman and CEO Charlie Ergen asking how the conditional access system, DISH brand receivers and other related operational matters will be impacted by the proposed merger. The filing said there has been no reply to Johnson's letter.
EchoStar spokesman Marc Lumpkin said any DirecTV or DISH Network customers who would need to get new equipment because of the merger, and if they keep the same programming services, will receive new equipment at no additional cost. He didn't comment further on the Sky Angel concerns.
In a separate development for the merger, the National Conference of Black Mayors urged the FCC to approve the DBS combination, saying it will provide affordable high-speed Internet access and competition to cable.
From SkyReport (Used with Permission)