Nov 16, 2010 8:01 AM
FreeHD Canada Delays Launch Date
FreeHD Canada Inc., a new Canadian satellite television venture, says it will reschedule its launch date to the first quarter of 2012.
The announcement was made during an appearance before the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission at hearings today reviewing the Direct-to-Home satellite distribution policy.
FreeHD Canada had hoped to be launched and ready to assist Canadians through the Over-the-Air Digital transition occurring in August 2011 - however, it says finding sufficient satellite capacity for its HD-rich programming line-up became a concern when several satellite fleet operators experienced unexpected loss of satellite capacity.
"We are very optimistic we can secure enough satellite capacity to allow us to provide consumers and programmers in Canada with the most HD channels" said David Lewis, Chairman and CEO of FreeHD Canada. "We know that Canadians are excited about our service, and the wait will definitely be worth it."
Delaying the launch of FreeHD Canada until 2012 will not negatively affect FreeHD Canada's business plan, particularly since certain Canadian broadcasters have indicated that they too may delay their transition to over-the-Air digital transmission in rural markets until 2012.
"There is new satellite capacity becoming available in late 2011 and early 2012," commented Brian Olsen, FreeHD Canada's President and COO. "At launch, FreeHD Canada will still have the most complete local channel lineup, and will deliver the most compelling HD solution."
FreeHD Canada says ....................
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