· 105 SuperDISH to 121 SuperDISH: We’ve listened to your feedback regarding the limitations of the 105 footprint and have made some decisions that will help with the SuperDISH signal strength covering the entire Continental United States. Moving forward, we will launch local programming from markets that were not adequately covered by 105 on the 121 orbital location. Since the 121 orbital location has better coverage and signal strength in certain markets, we are migrating the following launched markets to 121 effective immediately: Albany, NY, Boise, ID, Missoula, MT, and Madison, WI. Continue to install the SuperDISH 105 and feed assemblies until December 8, 2003 at which time we will begin requiring the SuperDISH 121 for new subscribers. Existing subscribers will eventually need to exchange their 105 SuperDISH for a 121 SuperDISH when they become available. Immediately, we will begin simulcasting from both locations so customers will not lose service at 105 in the short term.
· HD on 110 Orbital Location: In addition to the changes listed above, customers no longer need a SuperDISH to receive HD programming. The HD Pak, available for $9.99 per month, will continue to be located at the 110 orbital location which includes: HDNet, HDNet Movies, Discovery HD Theater and ESPN HD. The following additional HD programming is currently located at the 61.5 and 148 orbital locations and will require an additional dish: Showtime HDTV, DISH HDTV, HBO HDTV, CBS HDTV East & West, HD Event Channel and HD Demo Channel. Stay tuned for details regarding future HD programming availability on the 110 orbital location.
· Holiday Music: As we do every year, DISH Network is now offering the holiday music channel free of charge to all DISH Network subscribers. Make sure customers tune and sing along to holiday music on channel 982 (HMUSC) located on the 119 orbital location!
NEW 121 SuperDISH Markets:
· Flint, MI: Effective December 11, 2003, we will launch Flint, MI local programming with ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC. These channels will be available for $5.99 per month.
· Milwaukee, WI: Effective December 11, 2003, we will launch Milwaukee, WI with ABC, NBC, FOX, PBS, UPN and WB. At this time we have not reached an agreement with CBS; therefore, these channels will be available for $4.99 per month.
· Lansing, MI: Effective December 18, 2003 we will launch Lansing, MI, with ABC, CBS, FOX and PBS. At this time we have not reached an agreement with NBC; therefore, these channels will be available for $4.99 per month.
· Upcoming 121 SuperDISH Launches: The superior coverage at 121 has allowed us the capacity to launch several northern markets that we had postponed due to poor coverage at 105. In the near future we will launch Green Bay, WI, and Traverse City, MI.
launch Green Bay, WI, and Traverse City, MI.
NEW 105 SuerDISH Markets:
· Chattanooga, TN: On November 25, 2003, we launched Chattanooga, TN, local programming with ABC, CBS, FOX, PBS and WB. At this time we have not reached an agreement with NBC; therefore, these channels will be available for $4.99 per month.
· Dayton, OH: Effective December 4, 2003, we will launch Dayton, OH, local programming with ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX. These local channels will be available for $5.99 per month.
· Ft. Smith, AR: In December, we will launch Ft. Smith, AR.
NEW DISH 500 Markets:
· Upcoming DISH 500 Launches: We don’t have specific dates at this time; however, we’re excited to launch the following cities in December: Grand Junction, CO; Hartford-New Haven, CT; Sherman, TX-ADA, OK; Bakersfield, CA.
· Springfield, MO Update: To allow for a better signal strength we are moving all the local programming in Springfield, MO, from the 105 SuperDISH location to DISH 500. Effective November 26, 2003, we will begin simulcasting the channels on both orbital locations and new Springfield subscribers will only need a DISH 500 to receive these local stations. We understand some of you may have SuperDISH antennas in inventory - you are allowed to use SuperDISH equipment until December 1, 2003. After that, the DISH 500 is required in this market.
· With ALL of these additions, our total number of local markets will be 101!