Dish Network 2007 Annual Report Download - page 14

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Table of Contents
OUR SATELLITES
Our DISH Network satellite television programming is currently transmitted to our customers over satellites that operate in the “Ku” band
portion of the microwave radio spectrum. The Ku-band is divided into two spectrum segments. The high power portion of the Ku-band — 12.2
to 12.7 GHz — is known as the Broadcast Satellite Service (“BSS”) band, which is also referred to as the Direct Broadcast Satellite (“DBS”)
band. The low and medium power portion of the Ku-band — 11.7 to 12.2 GHz — is known as the Fixed Satellite Service (“FSS”) band.
Most of our DTH programming is currently delivered using DBS satellites. We continue to explore opportunities to expand our available DTH
and wholesale commercial satellite capacity through the use of other available spectrum. Increasing our available spectrum for DTH
applications is particularly important as more bandwidth intensive HD programming is produced and in order to address new video and data
applications consumers may desire in the future. Although we have provided DTH services on a limited basis using FSS spectrum, due to the
larger dish size generally required and other technical limitations, this spectrum is best suited for commercial and wholesale business
applications.
We also continue to explore the use of Ka-band spectrum for DTH use. The Ka-band is a higher frequency band than the Ku-band, ranging
from 18 to 40 GHz. However, a larger dish is generally required and interference caused by rain and snow is a more significant problem than is
the case with DBS spectrum.
Satellite Fleet
We presently transmit programming from 14 satellites in geostationary orbit approximately 22,300 miles above the equator. Of these 11 are
owned and three are leased. Our satellite fleet is a major component of our EchoStar DBS System. While we believe that overall our satellite
fleet is generally in good condition, during 2006 and prior periods, certain satellites in our fleet have experienced anomalies, some of which
have had a significant adverse impact on their commercial operation. We currently do not carry insurance for any of our owned in-orbit
satellites. We believe we generally have in-orbit satellite capacity sufficient to recover, in a relatively short time frame, transmission of most of
our critical programming in the event one of our in-orbit satellites were to fail. We could not, however, recover certain local markets,
international and other niche programming in the event of such a failure, with the extent of disruption dependent on the specific satellite
experiencing the failure. Further, programming continuity cannot be assured in the event of multiple satellite losses.
Owned Satellites
We currently own 11 in-orbit satellites.
EchoStar I
. EchoStar I was launched during December 1995 and currently operates at the 148 degree orbital location. The satellite can operate
up to 16 transponders at 130 watts per channel. During the second quarter of 2006, the satellite experienced anomalies resulting in the possible
loss of two solar array strings. An investigation of the anomalies is continuing. The anomalies have not impacted commercial operation of the
satellite to date. Even if permanent loss of the two solar array strings is confirmed, the original minimum 12-year design life of the satellite is
not expected to be impacted since the satellite is equipped with a total of 104 solar array strings, only approximately 98 of which are required to
assure full power availability for the design life of the satellite. However, there can be no assurance future anomalies will not cause further
losses which could impact the remaining life or commercial operation of the satellite.
EchoStar II
. EchoStar II was launched during September 1996 and currently operates at the 148 degree orbital location. The satellite can
operate up to 16 transponders at 130 watts per channel. During February 2007, the satellite experienced an anomaly which prevented its north
solar array from rotating. Functionality was restored through a backup system. The design life of the satellite has not been affected and the
anomaly is not expected to result in the loss of power to the satellite. However, if the backup system fails, a partial loss of power would result
which could impact the useful life or commercial operation of the satellite.
EchoStar III
. EchoStar III was launched during October 1997 and currently operates at the 61.5 degree orbital location. The satellite was
originally designed to operate a maximum of 32 transponders at approximately 120 watts
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