IMHO, C band sub service is dead. Can't imagine how any of the channel providers could pencil a profit. Too few potential customers.
If Programming Center and Manhattan do succeed in getting some sort of system approved, I don't see it being on C band, as there's no new economical but durable dishes being produced on this continent. It would 'have' to be on Ku where dishes are available and reasonably economical.
I can see massive resistance coming forth from the two existing Ku providers in the US when they go to the FCC for approval of the service. Don't think the 11700-12200 band has any DTH service approved in N.A. at this time, 12200-12700 is approved for DTH, but there's another 'can of worms' utilizing that band. Think the 2 existing services have a 'lock' on it from 72W to 139W. Don't think they'd 'sign off' on another satellite, on the same band, being placed between their satellite locations. (interference concerns)
If that resistance fails, and it is approved in the 11700-12200 band, I'm sure they'll collude with the content providers to price their content at high rates for the new service, making for little to no profit or subs priced well above reasonable. (IMHO, cable and sat subs are already. I 'cut the cable' when I calculated 10 bucks+ per hour of watched 'cable' programming)
I would love to have another provider that offered an à la carte selection of channels. But Only at reasonable cost. There are a few (3) 'cable channels I'd sub to. But if it works out to more than 4 bucks an hour for the few programs I'd watch on them, forget it.
I USED to have a sub with USSB for the 6 winter months. (Since they launched) When Direct bought them they swore to the masses, and the FCC, that they would continue USSB subs 'with no changes'. That fall, when attempting to turn it back on for the winter, I was informed that I'd have to sub, and pay, for a whole year. And the price, not only doubled (6 vs 12 months) but add another 20 to 30%.
I didn't sub to direct. Although they still send me "We'd like you back" promotions 3 or 4 times a year. They don't make it out the door of the post office. Filed in the circular file inside the front door.
EOR
(end of rant)