Dish Network 2007 Annual Report Download - page 20

Table of Contents
In order to obtain FCC satellite licenses and authorizations, satellite operators must satisfy strict legal, technical and financial qualification
requirements. Once issued, these licenses and authorizations are subject to a number of conditions including, among other things, satisfaction
of ongoing due diligence obligations, construction milestones, and various reporting requirements.
Overview of Our Satellites and FCC Authorizations . Our satellites are located in orbital positions, or slots, that are designated by their
western longitude. An orbital position describes both a physical location and an assignment of spectrum in the applicable frequency band. The
FCC has divided each DBS orbital position into 32 frequency channels. Each transponder on our satellites typically exploits one frequency
channel. Through digital compression technology, we can currently transmit between nine and 13 standard definition digital video channels
from each transponder. Several of our satellites also include spot-beam technology which enables us to increase the number of markets where
we provide local channels, but reduces the number of video channels that could otherwise be offered across the entire United States.
The FCC has licensed us to operate a total of 104 direct broadcast satellite frequencies at the following orbital locations:
In addition, we currently have the right to use 32 frequencies at a Canadian DBS slot at the 129 degree orbital location, capable of providing
service to most of CONUS. A new 32 transponder Canadian satellite, Ciel 2, is being constructed for operation at that location. We will have
the right to lease at least 50% of the capacity of that satellite, with the remaining 50% required by Canadian regulations to be offered for use by
Canadians until the time of launch of the satellite. Consequently, until Ciel 2 is launched, we will not know the exact amount of capacity
available to us on that satellite. Further, we currently have the right to use 32 frequencies at a Mexican DBS orbital slot at the 77 degree orbital
location, but it is likely to be several years before a satellite is available to exploit all of that spectrum.
We also hold licenses or have entered into agreements to lease capacity on satellites at the following FSS orbital locations including:
13
•
avoiding interference with other radio frequency emitters; and
• ensuring compliance with other applicable provisions of the Communications Act and FCC rules and regulations governing the
operations of satellite communications providers and multi
-
channel video distributors.
• 21 frequencies at the 119 degree orbital location and 29 frequencies at the 110 degree orbital location, both capable of providing
service to the entire continental United States (
“
CONUS
”
);
•
22 frequencies at the 61.5 degree orbital location, capable of providing service to the Eastern and Central United States; and
•
32 frequencies at the 148 degree orbital location, capable of providing service to the Western United States.
• 500 MHz of Ku spectrum divided into 32 frequencies at the 121 degree orbital location, capable of providing service to CONUS, plus
500 MHz of Ka spectrum at the 121 degree orbital location capable of providing service into select spot beams;
• 500 MHz of Ku spectrum currently divided into 24 frequencies at the 118.7 degree orbital location, capable of providing service to
CONUS, Alaska and Hawaii;
• 500 MHz of Ku spectrum divided into 24 frequencies at the 105 degree orbital location, currently capable of providing service to
CONUS, Alaska and Hawaii, plus approximately 720 MHz of Ka spectrum capable of providing service through spot beams to
CONUS, Alaska and Hawaii; and