Not sure what happened to DirecTV 13 (I think the designation was canceled?) but DirecTV 14 is tentatively slated for sometime in 2013
PALO ALTO, Calif., Jun 11, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) today announced that it has entered into a contract to provide a high-power satellite to DIRECTV. The new satellite, DIRECTV 14, which was started earlier this quarter under an authorization to proceed, is a 20 kilowatt spacecraft that will use Ka-band and Reverse DBS to expand the company's video services.
"By employing the world's most advanced technologies, like the highly reliable SS/L 1300 satellite platform, we are able to provide the best video experience to our customers," said Phil Goswitz, vice president, Space & Communications, DIRECTV. "DIRECTV 14 will be the sixth SS/L 1300 satellite platform in DIRECTV's fleet and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Space Systems/Loral and maintaining our leadership as the provider of the most HD and 3D available anywhere."
The 1300 is a decades-proven, modular platform with the industry's highest power capability and flexibility for a broad range of applications. It enables DIRECTV 14 to use Ka-band and reverse band spectrum on a satellite that will help DIRECTV expand its HD programming to both national and local markets. The satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or more.
"We believe it is a combination of great satellites and excellent service that keeps long-standing customers such as DIRECTV coming back to us for their spacecraft," said John Celli, president of SS/L. "Our satellite platform is well-suited to helping companies make use of newly available spectrum such as RDBS, and our experience with 20-kilowatt-class satellites is unsurpassed. We look forward to helping DIRECTV expand the exceptional viewing experience they provide."
What is RDBS (Reverse DBS)
The FCC wants satellite broadcasters to take a stab at drafting rules for the "reverse DBS band" -- spectrum at 17 GHz typically allocated for satellite uplinking but which now may be used for downlinking. Reverse use of the band, long eyed by industry and regulators, could open much spectrum for DBS use, we're told. The Commission last week adopted an NPRM seeking comment on licensing and service rules for U.S. satellite broadcasting service in the 17 and 24 GHz bands.
The item originally was set for the open FCC meeting June 21, but, having been decided on circulation instead, was pulled at the last minute from the meeting agenda. All Commissioners voted in favor. The 17 GHz NPRM follows a 2000 FCC decision allocating 400 MHz of DBS uplink spectrum at 17.3-17.7 GHz for satellite video broadcasting. DBS uplink spectrum doesn't see as much use as DBS downlink spectrum. That's why, since the 1990s, the FCC and ITU have contemplated using the DBS uplink band for downlinking, DBS industry officials said.
DirecTV is "pleased the Commission is moving ahead to open up more spectrum for DBS service," said Vp-Regulatory Affairs Stacy Fuller. EchoStar couldn't be reached by our deadline.
The NPRM seeks proposals on how to structure satellite broadcasting in the 17.3-17.1 and 24.75-25.25 GHz bands. Details include: (1) The best way to process satellite applications. (2) License terms, replacement satellites, access to the U.S. market from non-U.S. satellites and milestone requirements. (3) Public service obligations, geographic service and emergency alert system requirements. (4) Use of spectrum allocated internationally by receiving earth stations outside the U.S. (5) Orbital spacing and antenna performance standards. (6) Inter- and intra-service sharing. (7) Reverse band technical requirements.
The FCC is acting now on "reverse DBS band" issues because the ITU made the spectrum available effective April 1, 2007, DBS industry officials have said (SW June 12 p1). Applications to operate satellites in the band, dating to the 1990s, are pending from DirecTV, EchoStar, Pegasus and Intelsat, awaiting the FCC service and licensing rules contemplated in the rule making.
